What does it mean to "keep His charge" in Deuteronomy 11:1? Verse under Study “Therefore you shall love the LORD your God and always keep His charge, statutes, ordinances, and commandments.” – Deuteronomy 11:1 Key Word: “Charge” (Hebrew mishmeret) • Literally “watch, guard, duty, responsibility.” • Used of priests who guarded the sanctuary (Numbers 3:7–8; 18:3). • Describes Abraham’s obedience (Genesis 26:5). • Speaks of something entrusted that must be protected and carried out with precision. What It Means to Keep His Charge • Guard every directive God entrusts, not letting any slip (Leviticus 8:35). • Carry out assigned duties faithfully, just as priests guarded the tabernacle. • Obey with wholehearted devotion rather than selective or occasional compliance (Joshua 22:5). • Maintain constant alertness—“always,” not sporadically. • Let love be the motivation; love and obedience are inseparable (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3). Practical Expressions Today • Daily reading and careful handling of Scripture so nothing God says is ignored (Psalm 119:4). • Protecting biblical truth from distortion; holding firmly to sound doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13–14). • Living out assigned roles—whether parent, spouse, employee, citizen—in line with God’s revealed will (Colossians 3:17, 23). • Watching over one’s heart and conduct so that actions match God’s standards (Proverbs 4:23). • Persisting even when culture pushes the opposite direction (Acts 5:29). Why Keeping His Charge Matters • Demonstrates genuine love for God (Deuteronomy 11:1; John 14:21). • Invites God’s promised blessing and protection (Deuteronomy 11:8–9). • Sets a clear witness to the next generation (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). • Guards the believer from drift and compromise (Hebrews 2:1). • Prepares the church to fulfill its priestly calling, pointing the world to Christ (1 Peter 2:9). New Testament Echoes • John 17:12 – Jesus “kept” those the Father gave Him, illustrating faithful guardianship. • 1 Timothy 6:20 – “Guard what has been entrusted to you.” • Revelation 3:8 – A faithful church “kept” Christ’s word and did not deny His name. Summary To “keep His charge” is to lovingly guard, obey, and carry out every responsibility God entrusts, with alert, whole-hearted faithfulness, ensuring nothing He commands is neglected or altered. |
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