On the other hand, obedience would bring blessing. Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken. The Hebrew conveys the idea of a reward as consequent on their hearkening; as there would be retribution for transgression, so would there be recompense for obedience.
The Hebrew word represented by "wherefore" in the Authorized Version ( עֵקֶב, from עָקֵב, the heel) denotes that which comes after, the end or last of anything (Psalms 119:33, Psalms 119:112), hence recompense, reward, wages, as the end or result of acting (Psalms 19:11; Psalms 40:15; Isaiah 5:23, etc.
). The clause might, therefore, be translated, As a consequence or recompense of hearkening …. it shall be that, etc. Judgments, i.e. rights, rightful claims ( מִשְׁפֻטִים). God, as the Great King, has his rights, and these are to be rendered to him by his subjects and servants.
The mercy, i.e. the kindness, the favor ( חֶסֶד), showed in the promises which God gave to their fathers, and engaged by covenant to fulfill.