King James Bible
"And the LORD commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day."
Moses recounts how God gave Israel His laws, linking obedience with reverent fear—a posture of awe and submission. This command comes after the Exodus and wilderness wanderings, emphasizing that following God's statutes is not optional but divinely mandated for covenant relationship. God's laws are not arbitrary restrictions but designed for Israel's perpetual benefit and flourishing. This phrase counters any notion that divine commands are burdensome, instead revealing them as expressions of God's protective love. The purpose extends beyond moral improvement to physical survival and national continuity. Moses points to their current existence as proof—despite slavery and wilderness dangers, obedience to God has sustained them as a people.