Moses emphasized not adding to or taking away from the law to preserve its purity, authority, and divine origin. God’s law was not subject to human revision or interpretation. It was complete, sufficient, and holy. Any alteration would distort God’s will and lead people away from truth.
“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 4:2)
This command was given in the context of warning Israel against idolatry and apostasy. To add to the law would be to elevate human tradition. To take away from it would be to disregard God’s standards. Either action would result in disobedience. God had just judged the people for following Baal of Peor, and Moses reminded them that obedience requires fidelity to God’s exact words.
“Your eyes have seen what the Lord did at Baal Peor; for the Lord your God has destroyed from among you all the men who followed Baal of Peor.” (Deuteronomy 4:3)
Preserving the integrity of the law also ensured that future generations would know what God truly required. Moses was preparing Israel to live in the land under God’s rule, and any tampering with His law would lead to ruin. Faithfulness to the law meant faithfulness to God.
