This is the law that Moses set before the people of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Deuteronomy 4:44
What does Deuteronomy 4:44 mean?
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Deuteronomy 4:44
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This verse isn't just a label; it's Moses framing the entire upcoming message as the central "law," emphasizing its foundational importance for Israel right before they enter the promised land. It highlights that their inheritance wasn't just a gift, but was intrinsically tied to their faithful obedience to this Law.
This is the law that Moses set before the people of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is about to deliver a crucial address to the Israelites as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land, marking the beginning of a more detailed reiteration of God's commands. This passage serves as an introduction to that major discourse, which will include the repetition of the Ten Commandments and their implications for life in the land they are about to conquer and inhabit. It highlights that the laws Moses has taught and will continue to teach are the foundation for their obedience and future blessings.
Moses stands on the brink of the Promised Land, and in this verse, he signals a pivotal moment. What exactly is this 'law' he's about to present?
This verse, Deuteronomy 4:44, acts as a powerful introduction. Think of it like Moses saying, 'Okay everyone, gather 'round. What I'm about to share is the absolute heart of our relationship with God, the blueprint for life in this land we're about to enter.'
It's not just a list of rules; it's the 'Torah' – the teaching, the instruction – that defines Israel's identity and their covenant with the Lord. Moses isn't introducing something entirely new; he's re-presenting the foundational commands and principles that God gave them at Mount Sinai, now tailored for their new life ahead.
This 'law' is the very foundation for obedience and a right relationship with God, setting the stage for everything that follows in the book of Deuteronomy.
Moses isn't speaking in the wilderness anymore. He's on the edge of the Promised Land. How does this geographical and historical shift impact the way he presents the law?
The context of Deuteronomy 4:44 is crucial. Moses is speaking to the Israelites after they have conquered the Amorite kings Sihon and Og, and are poised to enter the land God promised them.
This isn't just a repeat of Sinai; it's a re-emphasis of God's law as they stand on the threshold of a new era. The land itself, and the very fact that they have already received victory and a place to dwell (Deuteronomy 4:46-49), are meant to motivate their obedience.
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Moses is showing them that the law isn't just about rules; it's about how to live as God's people in the specific place and time He has ordained for them. Their inheritance should fuel their zeal to follow God faithfully.
Understand the original words
torah · Hebrew Noun
The fundamental divine instruction or teaching given by God to His people. It encompasses the entirety of God's revealed will, guiding the covenant community in righteousness and relationship with Him.
This verse serves as an introduction to Moses' final addresses, delivered just before Israel crosses the Jordan River into the Promised Land. It frames his upcoming words as a renewed presentation of the Law in light of their recent military victories and impending settlement.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, initiating their journey to the Promised Land.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Sinai
God establishes His covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, giving Moses the Ten Commandments and other laws.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Conquest of Sihon and Og
After 40 years of wandering, the Israelites defeat Sihon, king of the Amorites, and Og, king of Bashan, on the east side of the Jordan River.
c. 1406 BC
Division of Land East of Jordan
The tribes of Reuben and Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, are granted lands in the conquered territory east of the Jordan River.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Final Address
Moses delivers his farewell speeches to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, reiterating God's laws and urging faithfulness before their entry into Canaan.
This verse directly follows Deuteronomy 4:44 and introduces the Ten Commandments, explicitly showing what 'this law' refers to.
Joshua 1:1-2This passage echoes the transition of leadership after Moses, where Joshua is given the 'law' to guide the people into the promised land, similar to how Moses presents it here.
Hebrews 10:1This New Testament passage reflects on the Law given through Moses, highlighting its role as a shadow and guide toward Christ, the fulfillment of the Law.
Psalm 119:1This psalm celebrates the 'blessedness' of those who walk in the law of the Lord, showing the enduring value and desirable nature of the very instruction Moses is presenting.
gillDeuteronomy 4:44: "And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel:"
And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel. Not the law concerning the cities of refuge, but the law of the ten commands repeated in the following chapter; so Jarchi remarks,"this which he should set in order after this section;''as he does in the next chapter, where he repeats in order the ten precepts, and makes observations on the manner of the delivery of them, and urges obedience t…
bensonDeuteronomy 4:44: "And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel:"
Deuteronomy 4:44 . This is the law — More particularly and fully expressed in the following chapter, to which these words are an introduction.
This verse isn't just a label; it's Moses framing the entire upcoming message as the central "law," emphasizing its foundational importance for Israel right before they enter the promised land. It highlights that their inheritance wasn't just a gift, but was intrinsically tied to their faithful obedience to this Law.
Moses is about to deliver a crucial address to the Israelites as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land, marking the beginning of a more detailed reiteration of God's commands. This passage serves as an introduction to that major discourse, which will include the repetition of the Ten Commandments and their implications for life in the land they are about to conquer and inhabit. It highlights that the laws Moses has taught and will continue to teach are the foundation for their obedience and future blessings.
Moses is about to deliver a crucial address to the Israelites as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land, marking the beginning of a more detailed reiteration of God's commands. This passage serves as an introduction to that major discourse, which will include the repetition of the Ten Commandments and their implications for life in the land they are about to conquer and inhabit. It highlights that the laws Moses has taught and will continue to teach are the foundation for their obedience and future blessings.
"This is the law that Moses set before the people of Israel." — This verse isn't just a label; it's Moses framing the entire upcoming message as the central "law," emphasizing its foundational importance for Israel right before they enter the promised land. It…
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Last reviewed October 2026