Deuteronomy 16:20 from the King James Version of the Bible states, "That which is altogether just shalt thou follow, that thou mayest live, and inherit the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." This verse is part of a larger passage in the book of Deuteronomy that contains instructions from Moses to the people of Israel regarding the observance of the feasts of Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles.

In this specific verse, Moses is instructing the people to follow justice in all their actions. The word "just" in this context means righteous, fair, and equitable. The verse emphasizes the importance of maintaining justice not only in legal matters, but also in all aspects of life. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice is essential for a society to thrive and for individuals to experience the fullness of their blessings.

The verse begins with the command to "follow" that which is just. This suggests that justice is something that must be actively pursued and adhered to, rather than simply acknowledged. It requires deliberate and intentional action on the part of the individual. The consequence of following that which is just is that the people "mayest live, and inherit the land" that God has promised them. This promise is rooted in the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel, which is a recurring theme throughout the book of Deuteronomy.

The book of Deuteronomy is written as a series of speeches delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they are set to enter the Promised Land. The overarching theme of the book is the reaffirmation of the covenant between God and Israel, as well as the reiteration of the laws and commandments that the people are to follow. The verse in question is part of this larger context, and it is intended to instruct the Israelites on the principles of justice and righteousness that they are to uphold as they enter the land that God has given them.

Beyond its immediate context, Deuteronomy 16:20 also holds broader theological and moral implications. It underscores the importance of justice as a foundational principle in the biblical worldview. Throughout the Bible, there is a consistent call for the pursuit of justice, particularly on behalf of the oppressed, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. This verse aligns with other passages in the Bible that emphasize the importance of righteousness and justice, such as Micah 6:8 which states, "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."

Furthermore, the verse can be seen as a reflection of the character of God Himself. In the Bible, God is described as a God of justice, who upholds the cause of the righteous and defends the oppressed. Therefore, the command to follow that which is just is not only a moral imperative, but also a reflection of the very nature of God.

Symbolically, the "land which the Lord thy God giveth thee" can be interpreted as not only the physical land of Canaan promised to the Israelites, but also as a metaphor for the blessings and abundance that God provides to those who seek to live justly. In this sense, the verse can be understood as an invitation to embrace a way of life that is aligned with the principles of justice and righteousness, in order to fully experience the abundant life that God desires for His people.

In conclusion, Deuteronomy 16:20 is a powerful and timeless reminder of the importance of justice and righteousness in the biblical narrative. It serves as a moral and theological anchor, calling individuals and communities to seek after that which is just in all aspects of life. Its significance extends beyond the specific context of the Israelites entering the Promised Land, and continues to speak to believers today about the foundational importance of justice in the Christian faith.