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You will not live there long but will certainly be destroyed. <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Today I call on heaven and earth as witnesses against you. If you break my covenant, you will quickly disappear from the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. You will live there only a short time; then you will be utterly destroyed. <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will soon utterly perish from the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess. You will not live long in it, but will be utterly destroyed. <a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live long upon it, but will be utterly destroyed. <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">King James Bible</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. <a href="/nkjv/deuteronomy/4.htm">New King James Version</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you will soon utterly perish from the land which you cross over the Jordan to possess; you will not prolong your days in it, but will be utterly destroyed. <a href="/nasb_/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that you will certainly perish quickly from the land where you are going over the Jordan to take possession of it. You will not live long on it, but will be utterly destroyed. <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will surely perish quickly from the land where you are going over the Jordan to possess it. You shall not live long on it, but will be utterly destroyed. <a href="/nasb77/deuteronomy/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you shall surely perish quickly from the land where you are going over the Jordan to possess it. You shall not live long on it, but shall be utterly destroyed. <a href="/lsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will surely perish quickly from the land where you are going over the Jordan to possess it. You shall not prolong your days on it, but will be utterly destroyed. <a href="/amp/deuteronomy/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that you will soon utterly perish from the land which you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You shall not live long on it, but will be utterly destroyed. <a href="/csb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that you will quickly perish from the land you are about to cross the Jordan to possess. You will not live long there, but you will certainly be destroyed. <a href="/hcsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that you will quickly perish from the land you are about to cross the Jordan to possess. You will not live long there, but you will certainly be destroyed. <a href="/asv/deuteronomy/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over the Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. <a href="/erv/deuteronomy/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. <a href="/gwt/deuteronomy/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> you will quickly disappear from the land you're going to possess on the other side of the Jordan River. You won't live very long there. You'll be completely wiped out. <a href="/gnt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that, if you disobey me, you will soon disappear from the land. You will not live very long in the land across the Jordan that you are about to occupy. You will be completely destroyed. <a href="/isv/deuteronomy/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> Heaven and earth will testify against what has occurred today: you'll surely and swiftly be destroyed from the land that you are about to possess by crossing the Jordan River. You won't live long in it, because you'll certainly be exterminated. <a href="/net/deuteronomy/4.htm">NET Bible</a> I invoke heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that you will surely and swiftly be removed from the very land you are about to cross the Jordan to possess. You will not last long there because you will surely be annihilated. <a href="/nheb/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto you go over the Jordan to possess it; you shall not prolong your days on it, but shall utterly be destroyed. <a href="/wbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from the land to which ye go over Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall be utterly destroyed.<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live long upon it, but will be utterly destroyed. <a href="/web/deuteronomy/4.htm">World English Bible</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that you will soon utterly perish from off the land which you go over the Jordan to possess it. You will not prolong your days on it, but will utterly be destroyed. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I have caused the heavens and the earth to testify against you this day, that you perish utterly quickly from off the land to where you are passing over the Jordan to possess it; you do not prolong days on it, but are utterly destroyed; <a href="/ylt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I have caused to testify against you this day the heavens and the earth, that ye do perish utterly hastily from off the land whither ye are passing over the Jordan to possess it; ye do not prolong days upon it, but are utterly destroyed; <a href="/slt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> I took the heavens and the earth to witness against you this day, that perishing, ye shall perish to-morrow from the land which ye are passing over Jordan there to possess it: ye shall not prolong the days upon it, but being destroyed, ye shall be destroyed.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I call this day heaven and earth to witness, that you shall quickly perish out of the land, which, when you have passed over the Jordan, you shall possess. You shall not dwell therein long, but the Lord will destroy you, <a href="/cpdv/deuteronomy/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I call heaven and earth as witnesses this day, that you shall quickly perish from the land, which, when you have crossed over the Jordan, you will possess. You will not live in it for a long time; instead, the Lord will destroy you. <a href="/nabre/deuteronomy/4.htm">New American Bible</a> I call heaven and earth this day to witness against you, that you shall all quickly perish from the land which you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You shall not live in it for any length of time but shall be utterly wiped out. <a href="/nrsvce/deuteronomy/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that you will soon utterly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to occupy; you will not live long on it, but will be utterly destroyed.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/deuteronomy/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you shall soon utterly perish from off the land which you are going across the Jordan to possess; you shall not live long upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. <a href="/hpbt/deuteronomy/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> I have called Heaven and Earth to witness before you today that certainly you shall be destroyed quickly from the land that you cross the Jordan to inherit, and you shall not multiply days in it but surely you shall be destroyed.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/deuteronomy/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that ye shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto ye go over the Jordan to possess it; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall utterly be destroyed. <a href="/sep/deuteronomy/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> I call heaven and earth this day to witness against you, that ye shall surely perish from off the land, into which ye go across Jordan to inherit it there; ye shall not prolong your days upon it, but shall be utterly cut off. <a href="/parallel/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IRhBtZaVxJ0?start=1367" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/deuteronomy/4.htm">Warning Against Idolatry</a> …25After you have children and grandchildren and you have been in the land a long time, if you then act corruptly and make an idol of any form—doing evil in the sight of the LORD your God and provoking Him to anger— 26<a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·ma·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">I call heaven</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">and earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/5749.htm" title="5749: ha·‘î·ḏō·ṯî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify; intensively, to encompass, restore.">as witnesses</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">against you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">this day</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/4118.htm" title="4118: ma·hêr (Adv) -- Hastening, speedy, swift. From mahar; properly, hurrying; hence in a hurry.">you will quickly</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: ’ā·ḇōḏ (V-Qal-InfAbs) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">perish</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: tō·ḇê·ḏūn (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘al (Prep-m) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ō·ḇə·rîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">are crossing</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3383.htm" title="3383: hay·yar·dên (Art:: N-proper-fs) -- The principal river of Pal. From yarad; a descender; Jarden, the principal river of Palestine.">the Jordan</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām·māh (Adv:: 3fs) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3423.htm" title="3423: lə·riš·tāh (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3fs) -- Or yaresh; a primitive root; to occupy; by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish, to ruin.">to possess.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">You will not</a> <a href="/hebrew/748.htm" title="748: ṯa·’ă·rî·ḵun (V-Hifil-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To be long. A primitive root; to be long.">live long</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·le·hā (Prep:: 3fs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">but</a> <a href="/hebrew/8045.htm" title="8045: hiš·šā·mêḏ (V-Nifal-InfAbs) -- To be exterminated or destroyed. A primitive root; to desolate.">will be utterly destroyed.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8045.htm" title="8045: tiš·šā·mê·ḏūn (V-Nifal-Imperf-2mp:: Pn) -- To be exterminated or destroyed. A primitive root; to desolate."></a> 27Then the LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/deuteronomy/30-18.htm">Deuteronomy 30:18-19</a> I declare to you today that you will surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. / I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, <a href="/deuteronomy/8-19.htm">Deuteronomy 8:19-20</a> If you ever forget the LORD your God and go after other gods to worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely perish. / Like the nations that the LORD has destroyed before you, so you will perish if you do not obey the LORD your God. <a href="/joshua/23-15.htm">Joshua 23:15-16</a> But just as every good thing the LORD your God promised you has come to pass, likewise the LORD will bring upon you the calamity He has threatened, until He has destroyed you from this good land He has given you. / If you transgress the covenant of the LORD your God, which He commanded you, and go and serve other gods and bow down to them, then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and you will quickly perish from this good land He has given you.” <a href="/leviticus/26-33.htm">Leviticus 26:33-39</a> But I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you as your land becomes desolate and your cities are laid waste. / Then the land shall enjoy its Sabbaths all the days it lies desolate, while you are in the land of your enemies. At that time the land will rest and enjoy its Sabbaths. / As long as it lies desolate, the land will have the rest it did not receive during the Sabbaths when you lived in it. ... <a href="/2_kings/17-6.htm">2 Kings 17:6-23</a> In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes. / All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods / and walked in the customs of the nations that the LORD had driven out before the Israelites, as well as in the practices introduced by the kings of Israel. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/36-15.htm">2 Chronicles 36:15-21</a> Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. / But they mocked the messengers of God, despising His words and scoffing at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD against His people was stirred up beyond remedy. / So He brought up against them the king of the Chaldeans, who put their young men to the sword in the sanctuary, sparing neither young men nor young women, neither elderly nor infirm. God gave them all into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, ... <a href="/jeremiah/25-8.htm">Jeremiah 25:8-11</a> Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘Because you have not obeyed My words, / behold, I will summon all the families of the north, declares the LORD, and I will send for My servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, whom I will bring against this land, against its residents, and against all the surrounding nations. So I will devote them to destruction and make them an object of horror and contempt, an everlasting desolation. / Moreover, I will banish from them the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of the bride and bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp. ... <a href="/jeremiah/7-15.htm">Jeremiah 7:15</a> And I will cast you out of My presence, just as I have cast out all your brothers, all the descendants of Ephraim. <a href="/ezekiel/33-27.htm">Ezekiel 33:27-29</a> Tell them that this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘As surely as I live, those in the ruins will fall by the sword, those in the open field I will give to be devoured by wild animals, and those in the strongholds and caves will die by plague. / I will make the land a desolate waste, and the pride of her strength will come to an end. The mountains of Israel will become desolate, so that no one will pass through. / Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I have made the land a desolate waste because of all the abominations they have committed.’ <a href="/hosea/9-3.htm">Hosea 9:3</a> They will not remain in the land of the LORD; Ephraim will return to Egypt and eat unclean food in Assyria. <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37-38</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate. <a href="/luke/21-20.htm">Luke 21:20-24</a> But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. / Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country stay out of the city. / For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. ... <a href="/romans/11-20.htm">Romans 11:20-22</a> That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid. / For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. / Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. <a href="/hebrews/3-16.htm">Hebrews 3:16-19</a> For who were the ones who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? / And with whom was God angry for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? / And to whom did He swear that they would never enter His rest? Was it not to those who disobeyed? ... <a href="/hebrews/10-26.htm">Hebrews 10:26-31</a> If we deliberately go on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no further sacrifice for sins remains, / but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume all adversaries. / Anyone who rejected the law of Moses died without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto you go over Jordan to possess it; you shall not prolong your days on it, but shall utterly be destroyed.<a href="/deuteronomy/30-18.htm">Deuteronomy 30:18,19</a> I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it… <a href="/deuteronomy/31-28.htm">Deuteronomy 31:28</a> Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to record against them.<a href="/deuteronomy/32-1.htm">Deuteronomy 32:1</a> Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.ye shall<a href="/deuteronomy/29-28.htm">Deuteronomy 29:28</a> And the LORD rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.<a href="/leviticus/18-28.htm">Leviticus 18:28</a> That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.<a href="/leviticus/26-31.htm">Leviticus 26:31-35</a> And I will make your cities waste, and bring your sanctuaries unto desolation, and I will not smell the savour of your sweet odours… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/deuteronomy/4-3.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-18.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-22.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/numbers/24-24.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-22.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-22.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/numbers/24-11.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/numbers/16-31.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-6.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-20.htm">Today</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/3-6.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/numbers/36-4.htm">Whereunto</a> <a href="/numbers/35-30.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/deuteronomy/7-4.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-32.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-32.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Jordan</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-10.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-47.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-40.htm">Prolong</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-4.htm">Quickly</a> <a href="/joshua/2-7.htm">Soon</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-18.htm">Surely</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-38.htm">Today</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Utterly</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/6-1.htm">Whereunto</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-20.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Deuteronomy 4</div>1. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-1.htm">An exhortation to obedience</a> 41. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-41.htm">Moses appoints the three cities of refuge on that side of Jordan</a> 44. <a href="/deuteronomy/4-44.htm">Recapitulation</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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Here, Moses invokes heaven and earth as witnesses, emphasizing the gravity and universality of the covenant between God and Israel. This phrase underscores the idea that all of creation is aware of and testifies to the covenant, highlighting the accountability of the Israelites. Similar language is found in <a href="/isaiah/1-2.htm">Isaiah 1:2</a>, where God calls upon heaven and earth to witness Israel's rebellion.that you will quickly perish from the land This phrase serves as a warning of the consequences of disobedience to God's commandments. The land, promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is conditional upon Israel's faithfulness. The warning of perishing quickly is a reminder of the covenant curses outlined in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where disobedience leads to exile and destruction. Historically, this prophecy was fulfilled during the Assyrian and Babylonian exiles, when Israel and Judah were removed from the land due to their unfaithfulness.that you are crossing the Jordan to possess The Jordan River represents a significant geographical and spiritual boundary for the Israelites. Crossing the Jordan symbolizes entering into the fulfillment of God's promises, a transition from the wilderness wanderings to the inheritance of the Promised Land. This event is a type of baptism, representing a new beginning and a step of faith. The crossing of the Jordan is also a foreshadowing of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of His public ministry.You will not live long upon it This phrase reiterates the conditional nature of the Israelites' tenure in the Promised Land. Longevity in the land is directly tied to obedience to God's laws. The warning reflects the blessings and curses of the covenant, where obedience results in prosperity and long life, while disobedience leads to expulsion. This concept is echoed in <a href="/psalms/37-29.htm">Psalm 37:29</a>, which speaks of the righteous inheriting the land and dwelling in it forever.but will be utterly destroyed The ultimate consequence of Israel's disobedience is total destruction, a theme consistent with the covenant curses. This destruction is not only physical but also spiritual, as it represents a severing of the relationship with God. The phrase foreshadows the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, events that are seen as both historical realities and prophetic warnings. The destruction serves as a type of the final judgment, where those who reject God's covenant face eternal separation from Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> The leader of the Israelites who is delivering this message as part of his farewell speeches. He is reminding the Israelites of the consequences of disobedience. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israelites.htm">Israelites</a> The chosen people of God who are about to enter the Promised Land. They are the recipients of Moses' warnings and instructions. 3. <a href="/topical/h/heaven_and_earth.htm">Heaven and Earth</a> Invoked as witnesses to the covenant between God and Israel. This is a common ancient Near Eastern practice to call upon creation as witnesses to an agreement. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_promised_land.htm">The Promised Land (Canaan)</a> The land that the Israelites are about to enter, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_jordan_river.htm">The Jordan River</a> The geographical boundary that the Israelites are about to cross to enter the Promised Land.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_covenant.htm">The Seriousness of Covenant</a> The invocation of heaven and earth as witnesses underscores the gravity of the covenant relationship between God and His people. It is a solemn reminder that our commitments to God are not to be taken lightly. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_disobedience.htm">Consequences of Disobedience</a> The warning of perishing from the land serves as a stark reminder that disobedience to God’s commands leads to serious consequences. This principle remains relevant for believers today in maintaining faithfulness to God’s Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_witnesses.htm">The Role of Witnesses</a> In ancient times, witnesses were crucial in legal matters. By calling heaven and earth as witnesses, Moses emphasizes the impartial and enduring nature of God’s covenant, which transcends human generations. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_obedience.htm">The Importance of Obedience</a> Obedience to God is not just about following rules but is integral to living in the blessings and promises of God. It is a call to align our lives with God’s will. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_remember.htm">The Call to Remember</a> Moses’ warning serves as a call to remember God’s past faithfulness and the importance of adhering to His commands. This remembrance is vital for spiritual growth and perseverance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_deuteronomy_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 4</a> <a href="/q/how_many_levels_of_heaven_are_there.htm">How many levels of heaven are there?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_the_names_and_titles_of_god.htm">What are the Names and Titles of God?</a> <a href="/q/does_isaiah_1_2's_poetry_conflict_literally.htm">In Isaiah 1:2, how can the heavens and earth literally “listen” and “hear,” and does this poetic device conflict with a literal reading? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_god_deliver_from_troubles.htm">Where do you find comfort in times of trouble?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/deuteronomy/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 26. - I call heaven and earth to witness. Moses speaks in the name of the Lord of all, and so calls to witness the whole created universe to attest his words; the heavens and earth are witnesses for God, and when evil comes on those who transgress his Law, they declare his righteousness (<a href="/psalms/50-4.htm">Psalm 50:4, 6</a>), in that what has befallen the sinner is only what was announced beforehand as the penalty of transgression. Soon; hastily (מַהֵר), without delay (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/7-4.htm">Deuteronomy 7:4, 22</a> ["at once," Authorized Vers.]; 9:3 ["quickly"], 12, 16). Prolong days; usually equal to have a long life (cf. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-16.htm">Deuteronomy 5:16</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/6-2.htm">Deuteronomy 6:2</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/11-9.htm">Deuteronomy 11:9</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/17-20.htm">Deuteronomy 17:20</a>, etc.); here it means "continue long to occupy." Only as they continued faithful to Jehovah could they continue as a people to possess the land; severed from him, they lost their title to occupy Canaan, and ceased to be his special people; as a nation they would be destroyed by being scattered among other nations. From <a href="/leviticus/26-33.htm">Leviticus 26:33</a>, etc., and <a href="/deuteronomy/28-64.htm">Deuteronomy 28:64</a>, it is evident that the author had in view "all the dispersions which would come upon the rebellious nation in future times, even down to the dispersion under the Romans, which continues still; so that Moses contemplated the punishment in its fullest extent" (Keil). <a href="/commentaries/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I call heaven הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם (haš·šā·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> Heaven, sky and earth הָאָ֗רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land as witnesses הַעִידֹתִי֩ (ha·‘î·ḏō·ṯî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5749.htm">Strong's 5749: </a> To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore against you this day הַיּ֜וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day that כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction you will quickly מַהֵר֒ (ma·hêr) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4118.htm">Strong's 4118: </a> Hastening, speedy, swift perish אָבֹ֣ד (’ā·ḇōḏ) Verb - Qal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> To wander away, lose oneself, to perish from מֵעַ֣ל (mê·‘al) Preposition-m <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the land הָאָ֔רֶץ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land you אַתֶּ֜ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you are crossing עֹבְרִ֧ים (‘ō·ḇə·rîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> To pass over, through, or by, pass on the Jordan הַיַּרְדֵּ֛ן (hay·yar·dên) Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3383.htm">Strong's 3383: </a> Jordan -- the principal river of Palestine to possess. לְרִשְׁתָּ֑הּ (lə·riš·tāh) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3423.htm">Strong's 3423: </a> To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruin You will not לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no live long תַאֲרִיכֻ֤ן (ṯa·’ă·rî·ḵun) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine plural | Paragogic nun <a href="/hebrew/strongs_748.htm">Strong's 748: </a> To be, long upon it, עָלֶ֔יהָ (‘ā·le·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against but כִּ֥י (kî) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction will be utterly destroyed. הִשָּׁמֵ֖ד (hiš·šā·mêḏ) Verb - Nifal - Infinitive absolute <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8045.htm">Strong's 8045: </a> To be exterminated or destroyed <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">Deuteronomy 4:26 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-26.htm">OT Law: Deuteronomy 4:26 I call heaven and earth to witness (Deut. 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