Old Testament verses on "serve Him only"?
What Old Testament scriptures support the command to "serve Him only"?

The Command at the Center

“‘You shall worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” —Deuteronomy 6:13; quoted by Jesus in Matthew 4:10


Core Old Testament Witnesses

Deuteronomy 6:13 — “Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.”

Deuteronomy 10:20 — “You are to fear the LORD your God and serve Him; hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name.”

Exodus 20:3, 5 — “You shall have no other gods before Me… you shall not bow down to them or serve them.”

Exodus 23:25 — “You shall serve the LORD your God, and He will bless your bread and your water…”

Deuteronomy 11:13 — “Love the LORD your God and serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”

Deuteronomy 13:4 — “You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him. Keep His commandments and obey His voice; serve Him and hold fast to Him.”

Joshua 24:14–15 — “Fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth… choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”

1 Samuel 7:3–4 — “Rid yourselves of the foreign gods… commit yourselves to the LORD and serve Him only.”

1 Samuel 12:24 — “Above all, fear the LORD and serve Him faithfully with all your heart.”

2 Kings 17:35–39 — “Worship the LORD… worship Him alone, and He will deliver you.”


Why the Repetition Matters

• Exclusive service flows from God’s character: He is “a jealous God” (Exodus 20:5).

• Israel’s history proves divided allegiance brings judgment (Judges 2:11–15; 2 Kings 17:7–18).

• Wholehearted service secures blessing (Deuteronomy 11:13–15; 28:1–14).


Patterns We See

1. Command given (Law).

2. Command repeated (Prophets, History).

3. Command obeyed = blessing; disobeyed = discipline.


Living It Out Today

• Single-minded devotion—no rival loyalties.

• Fear, love, and obedience belong together (Deuteronomy 10:12–13).

• Public and private life alike are arenas for service (Joshua 24:15).

The Old Testament speaks with one voice: the Lord alone deserves undivided service.

How can resisting temptation, as shown in Luke 4:8, strengthen our faith?
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