Final Comment (Deuteronomy 5:32-33).
Having fully described what had happened at Sinai/Horeb Moses now adds his own final comments. They are to observe and do what Yahweh has commanded without any diversions from it, and they are to walk in the way in which Yahweh has commanded them to live so that it might be well with them and they might have long life in the land which they will shortly possess (and some already possess).
Analysis.
· They were to observe to do what Yahweh their God had commanded them. They were not to turn aside to the right hand or to the left (Deuteronomy 5:32).
· They were to walk in all the way which Yahweh their God had commanded them, so that they might live, and that it might be well with them, and so that they may prolong their days in the land which they will possess (Deuteronomy 5:33).
‘ You (ye) shall observe to do therefore as Yahweh your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.'
Moses now speaks again to all the people as a group (ye). They are to observe all that Yahweh their God has commanded them. They must turn neither to the right nor to the left in the way of disobedience, but must walk straight forward in the way of obedience without deviation.
Thus they had to have singleness of eye (Matthew 6:22; Luke 11:34), singleness of heart (Acts 2:46; Ephesians 6:5; Colossians 3:22), and singleness of purpose. Those whose eyes are fixed firmly on Christ, and whose hearts are fully taken up with Him, will thereby find the way made easier.
‘ You shall walk in all the way which Yahweh your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.'
For this was the only way in which they could ensure that they would live and not die. And by it they would ensure not only that they lived, but that they lived so that it would be well with them and so that they would have long lives in the land which they would possess. All depended on hearing and responding to the covenant. That would ensure long life in the land which was only for the righteous. The idea of the ‘walk' is common in Scripture. It indicated step by step progress forward and revealed that they truly had life.