Do not add to what I command
you and do not subtract from it,
but keep the commands of the
LORD your God that I give you.
God protected EVERY part of HIS word…
Deuteronomy 4:2
You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Deuteronomy 12:32
Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.
Malachi 4:4
Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.
Revelation 22:18-19
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Reflection Time
Why is it valuable to know God’s Word well enough to know if someone is teaching something that adds or takes away from it?
Look back at the second part of the verse. What were the Israelites encouraged to do with the commands of God?
Consider your relationship with God’s Word. Do you faithfully obey His teachings? What changes do you need to make today to be more obedient to His teachings?
Write a prayer to God asking for Him to help you to know when you are not obeying His Word and to give you the strength to stand up to temptation.