What does Deuteronomy 32:46-47 mean?
"And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it." - Deuteronomy 32:46-47

Deuteronomy 32:46-47 in the King James Version of the Bible says: "And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it."
In these verses, Moses is addressing the Israelites before they enter the promised land. He urges them to pay close attention to the words of the law and to teach them to their children. He emphasizes the importance of obedience to the law, stating that it is not a vain or futile thing for them, but rather it is their very life and the key to a long and prosperous life in the land of Canaan.
One of the key themes of these verses is the importance of obedience to God's word. Moses exhorts the Israelites to set their hearts on the words of the law and to command their children to observe and do them. Obedience to God's commands is presented as vital to the well-being and prosperity of the people. This theme of obedience is prevalent throughout the book of Deuteronomy, as Moses repeatedly stresses the importance of following God's laws and commandments.
Another theme in these verses is the transmission of faith and obedience from one generation to the next. Moses instructs the Israelites to teach the words of the law to their children, emphasizing the importance of passing down the knowledge and observance of God's commandments through the generations. This theme highlights the responsibility of parents and elders in nurturing the faith and obedience of the younger generation, ensuring the continuity of the covenant relationship between God and his people.
The context of these verses is significant, as Moses is delivering his final address to the Israelites before they enter the promised land. He is reminding them of the covenant that God established with their ancestors and the obligations that come with being God's chosen people. The book of Deuteronomy as a whole serves as a call to obedience and faithfulness to God, and these verses are a crucial part of that call.
Symbolism can also be found in these verses, as the words of the law are described as the very life of the people. This symbolizes the spiritual nourishment and guidance that the law provides, as well as its role in sustaining the people in their new land. The idea that obedience to the law will prolong their days in the land of Canaan symbolizes the link between faithfulness to God and the prosperity and security of the nation. The river Jordan, mentioned in verse 47, symbolizes the boundary that the Israelites must cross in order to possess the land, representing the transition from the past to the future and the fulfillment of God's promises.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 32:46-47 emphasizes the vital importance of obedience to God's law and the transmission of faith and obedience from one generation to the next. These verses serve as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and his people and the responsibilities that come with being a part of that covenant. The themes of obedience, transmission of faith, and the symbolism of the law as life and the river Jordan as a boundary all contribute to the rich and profound meaning of these verses.
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Deuteronomy 32:46-47 Artwork
Deuteronomy 32:46-47 - "And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it."
"And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it." - Deuteronomy 32:46-47
Deuteronomy 32:47 - "For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it."
Deuteronomy 32:46 - "And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law."
Luke 1:46-47 - "And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior."
"For it is not a vain thing for you; because it is your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong your days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it." - Deuteronomy 32:47
Deuteronomy 28:46 - "And they shall be upon thee for a sign and for a wonder, and upon thy seed for ever."
Deuteronomy 28:47 - "Because thou servedst not the LORD thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things;"
Deuteronomy 1:46 - "So ye abode in Kadesh many days, according unto the days that ye abode there."
Deuteronomy 32:42
Deuteronomy 32:41
Deuteronomy 32:43
Deuteronomy 32:43
Deuteronomy 32:32 - "For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter:"
Genesis 46:32 - "And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have."
Acts 2:46-47 - "And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
Deuteronomy 4:47 - "And they possessed his land, and the land of Og king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites, which were on this side Jordan toward the sunrising;"
"And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." - Luke 1:46-47
Deuteronomy 32:33 - "Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps."
Matthew 5:46-47 - "For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?"
Deuteronomy 32:48 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses that selfsame day, saying,"
Deuteronomy 32:28 - "For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them."
Deuteronomy 32:9 - "For the LORD'S portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance."
Deuteronomy 32:45 - "And Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel:"
Deuteronomy 1:32 - "Yet in this thing ye did not believe the LORD your God,"
Deuteronomy 32:37 - "And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,"
Deuteronomy 32:29 - "O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!"
Deuteronomy 32:31 - "For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges."
Deuteronomy 32:12 - "So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him."
Deuteronomy 32:34 - "Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?"