In the sense of “give heed.” The third chapter concluded the review of the journey of Israel from Horeb to the river Jordan, preliminary to crossing it. Chapter 4 consists largely of an exhortation to obedience.

Their fathers had died in the wilderness because of disobedience; they were to live—if they obeyed God—in the land promised their fathers.

 That is, the provisions of the civil code regulating conduct, in contrast to the “judgments,” which were concerned with the administration of the “statutes,” particularly with respect to judicia decisions. The word rendered “judgments” is sometimes also translated “right,” in the sense of “justice,” or a “right decision” (Gen. 18:25; Job 34:6, 7; 35:2; Ps. 9:4).