With the beginning of this new section, it may be good to introduce Moses again as the speaker; for example, “Moses continued to speak to the Israelites.”

Verses 12-13 are one sentence in Hebrew; in translation it is better to split up into two sentences at least.

Because you hearken: it is better to translate “If you pay attention to….”

For ordinances see 4.1.

Keep and do them: this is redundant, for emphasis. The sense is “faithfully obey them,” “always put them into practice.”

Will keep with you the covenant and the steadfast love: see verse 9. In this context, however, the idea of continuity is present: “Then the LORD your God will continue to keep his covenant … and will always love you” (Today’s English Version).

Which he swore to your fathers: see verse 8.

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 .