Deuteronomy 10:16

16 "1So circumcise your heart, and 2stiffen your neck no longer.

Deuteronomy 10:16 Meaning and Commentary

Deuteronomy 10:16

Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart
Content not yourselves with, nor put your confidence in outward circumcision of the flesh, but be concerned for the circumcision of the heart; for removing from that whatever is disagreeable to the Lord, even all carnality, sensuality, hypocrisy, and superfluity of naughtiness, and for having that put there which is well pleasing in his sight; and which though it is the work of God, and he only can do it and has promised it, yet such an exhortation is made to bring men to a sense of their need of it, and of the importance of it, and to show how agreeable it is to the Lord, and so to stir them up to seek unto him for it; see ( Deuteronomy 30:6 )

and be no more stiffnecked;
froward, obstinate, and disobedient, as they had been hitherto; ( Deuteronomy 9:6 Deuteronomy 9:13 ) .

Deuteronomy 10:16 In-Context

14 "Behold, to the LORD your God belong heaven and the highest heavens, the earth and all that is in it.
15 "Yet on your fathers did the LORD set His affection to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all peoples, as it is this day.
16 "So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer.
17 "For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.
18 "He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Leviticus 26:41; Jeremiah 4:4
  • 2. Deuteronomy 9:6

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Lit "the foreskin of your heart"
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