Deuteronomy 11 Commentary

Moses commands the Israelites to love their Suzerain God for who He is and what He has done.

Moses exhorts the Israelites to keep every commandment of God so that they may be strong to go in and possess the land of Canaan. To encourage the people, Moses contrasts the prosperous land of Canaan — which depends on God for irrigation — with the land of Egypt, a land whose fertility depends on the exploitation of water from the Nile through human effort.

Moses commands Israel to love their Suzerain God and to serve Him faithfully in order that the land of Canaan may continue to receive rain from God to yield its fruits.

The Israelites are instructed to constantly reflect on God’s covenantal laws, to diligently teach them to their children, and to share these laws with the entire community.

Moses explains that if the Israelites love God and obey His commandments, they will successfully conquer the land of Canaan and will possess a vast territory.

Moses sets the condition for Israel’s destiny in the Promised Land. If the people of God obey His principles, they will be blessed. If they fail to obey them, they will be cursed.

Moses commands the Israelites to have a covenant-renewal ceremony in Canaan soon after entering the land.