Deuteronomy 7:12 - It shall happen, because you listen to these ordinances, and keep and do them, that Yahweh your God will keep with you the covenant and the loving kindness which he swore to your fathers.

Generated Verse: Deuteronomy 7:12

What does "Deuteronomy 7:12" mean?


This verse from Deuteronomy 7:12 lays out a conditional covenant between Yahweh (God) and the Israelites. It means:

"It shall happen, because you listen to these ordinances, and keep and do them...": This sets the condition. The blessings that follow are directly contingent on the Israelites' obedience to God's laws and commandments ("ordinances"). "Listening" implies not just hearing, but also understanding and adhering to the laws. "Keeping" and "doing" emphasize practical obedience and consistent action.

"...that Yahweh your God will keep with you the covenant...": If the Israelites are obedient, God promises to uphold His side of the covenant. This covenant refers to the agreement God made with their ancestors (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob).

"...and the loving kindness which he swore to your fathers.": God will show the Israelites "loving kindness" (Hebrew: chesed), which signifies steadfast love, mercy, grace, and faithfulness. This isn't just a contractual obligation, but a demonstration of God's loyal and enduring love, just as He promised their ancestors.

In essence, the verse is a promise of blessings based on obedience: If the Israelites follow God's laws, God will remain faithful to His covenant and shower them with His loving kindness, just as He swore to their forefathers. It's a reminder that the relationship between God and Israel is reciprocal, with blessings tied to obedience and faithfulness.

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