You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD: this means to do the things that Yahweh considers right and good, as defined in the laws that Yahweh is giving to the people.

That it may go well with you: that is, “that you may prosper [or, be successful].” See 5.29; 6.3.

Go in and take possession of the good land: see 1.8. The adjective good here means primarily fertile (see “flowing with milk and honey” in verse 3).

Which the LORD swore to give to your fathers: see 1.8. Although this clause follows literally the wording of the Hebrew text, it seems likely that it really means “that Yahweh promised your fathers that he would give,” that is, “… give to you,” as the following verse makes clear; so New Revised Standard Version. The translator is encouraged to follow New Revised Standard Version. An alternative model, then, is “that Yahweh promised your ancestors that he would give to you.”

By thrusting out all your enemies before you: although the Hebrew text may be understood to mean that the Israelites are the subject of the verb “to thrust out” (so Good News Translation and others), it seems more likely that Yahweh is the subject (so Revised Standard Version, New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, New International Version, Revised English Bible). See the similar statement in Exo 34.11-12. This sentence reveals the way that Yahweh will help Israel to possess the land: their enemies must be thrown out first. For enemies see 1.42.

We may combine verses 18 and 19 as follows:

• … then you will be able to take possession of this fertile land because the LORD will drive out your enemies, just as he promised your ancestors [that he would do].”

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .