Deuteronomy 6:18 – “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you and you may go in and take over the good land the Lord promised on oath to your ancestors.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Deuteronomy 6:18 is an instruction from Moses to the Israelites, urging them to live in a way that pleases God. The command to “do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight” emphasizes that obedience and moral integrity are crucial for enjoying the blessings God has promised. This verse highlights that following God’s ways is not just about rules but about aligning one’s actions with what God considers good and just.
The promise attached to this command—that things will go well and that they will possess the land God promised—underscores the connection between obedience and blessing. God’s commands are given not only as moral guidelines but also as the pathway to receiving His favor. Moses wanted the Israelites to understand that their actions mattered and that living rightly before God was key to their success and fulfillment in the land they were about to enter.
Historical Context
The historical context of Deuteronomy 6:18 is set in a pivotal moment for the Israelites as they stand on the edge of the Promised Land. After years of wandering in the wilderness, the people were finally ready to enter the land God had sworn to their ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. However, this new land was filled with challenges, including the presence of other nations with their own practices and beliefs.
Moses was preparing the Israelites to live as God’s people in a land where they would be surrounded by influences that could lead them astray. By instructing them to do what is right and good in God’s sight, Moses was equipping the Israelites to stay true to their identity as God’s chosen people. This command was about more than just personal morality; it was about maintaining a community that honored God and reflected His values in every aspect of life.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Deuteronomy 6:18 teaches that obedience to God’s commands brings blessings and favor. God’s laws are not arbitrary but are given out of His desire for His people to thrive. This verse underscores that God’s standards of what is right and good are meant to guide His people into a life of purpose, joy, and fulfillment.
The promise that “it may go well with you” highlights God’s desire for His people to experience His goodness. This verse reminds us that God’s commands are not just about following rules but are a way of aligning our lives with His best for us. Living rightly before God brings both spiritual and practical benefits, guiding us into the kind of life God intends for His people.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Deuteronomy 6:18 is structured as both a command and a promise. The directive to “do what is right and good” is followed by the assurance that such obedience leads to well-being and success. This combination of instruction and encouragement motivates the reader to pursue what pleases God, knowing that His commands are tied to His blessings.
The phrase “in the Lord’s sight” emphasizes that what matters most is how God views our actions. This shifts the focus from merely appearing righteous before others to truly seeking God’s approval in our daily choices. The verse connects present obedience with future blessings, illustrating the principle that faithfulness to God has lasting positive effects.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse parallels the call to do what is right and good in God’s eyes.
- Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This highlights the importance of aligning our ways with God’s guidance.
- Psalm 37:3-4 – “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” This reinforces the connection between doing good and experiencing God’s blessings.
- James 1:25 – “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” This New Testament verse echoes the link between obedience and blessing.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Deuteronomy 6:18 serves as a reminder that our actions matter to God. The command to do what is right and good challenges us to live with integrity, making choices that reflect God’s character and values. It’s about seeking to honor God in all areas of life, from how we treat others to how we handle our responsibilities.
In a world where standards of right and wrong can be constantly shifting, this verse calls believers to ground their sense of morality in God’s Word. It reminds us that true goodness is defined by what pleases God, not by popular opinion or personal preference. By choosing to live in a way that aligns with God’s commands, we position ourselves to experience His favor and blessings.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Deuteronomy 6:18 reflects God’s loving nature as a guide and provider. God’s commands to do what is right and good are given out of His desire to lead His people into the best life possible. He is not a distant lawgiver but a loving Father who wants His children to thrive. His instructions are meant to protect us, guide us, and bless us.
The promise that things will go well with those who obey is an expression of God’s care. He wants His people to experience the joy and peace that come from living in harmony with His will. God’s love is evident in His desire to see His people flourish, and His commands are a roadmap to that abundant life.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ perfectly embodied the call to do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight. Throughout His life, Jesus consistently did the will of the Father, setting an example of perfect obedience. In John 8:29, Jesus says, “I always do what pleases him,” highlighting His commitment to doing what is right in God’s eyes.
Through His teachings, Jesus reinforced the importance of aligning our actions with God’s standards. In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught that righteousness goes beyond outward actions and touches the heart’s intentions (Matthew 5-7). Jesus’ life and sacrifice opened the way for believers to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in obedience to God, doing what is right and good as a response to His love.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight?
- How can you align your actions more closely with God’s standards of goodness and righteousness?
- How does understanding that God’s commands are given for your good change your perspective on obedience?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your decisions are guided by God’s Word rather than by the world’s shifting standards?
- How can Jesus’ example of perfect obedience inspire you to pursue what is right and good in your daily life?
Deuteronomy 6:18 calls us to live with integrity and purpose, seeking to do what is right and good in the sight of God. It reminds us that obedience is not just about following rules but about embracing God’s loving guidance for our lives. By choosing to live in a way that pleases God, we honor Him and open ourselves to the fullness of His blessings.