Deuteronomy 6 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Deuteronomy 6

The book of Deuteronomy was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. Moses imparted his final words of wisdom and instruction to the people he had guided through the wilderness for 40 years as they stood on the edge of the Promised Land. Moses emphasizes the importance of loving and obeying God with all one’s heart, soul, and might in this chapter. He reminds the Israelites of the commandments they must follow and the need to teach them diligently to their children. This chapter sets the stage for the Israelites’ entry into Canaan and the challenges they will face in remaining faithful to the Lord.

Throughout this passage, Moses echoes themes found in other books of the Pentateuch, such as the call to “love the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 6:5), which is reminiscent of the Great Commandment in Leviticus 19:18. He also reiterates the importance of passing on God’s teachings to future generations, a concept central to the book of Exodus.

Deuteronomy 6:1-3

The passage in Deuteronomy 6:1-3 begins with the Lord commanding the Israelites to follow all the statutes and ordinances He had given them. This sets the tone for the rest of the passage, emphasizing the importance of obedience and adherence to God’s laws. The use of the word “statutes” refers to specific rules or regulations, while “ordinances” can be understood as broader principles or guidelines for living a righteous life.

The following verses go on to explain the rationale behind keeping these commandments. It is noted that by obeying these laws, the Israelites would live, multiply, and inherit the land which God had promised to their ancestors. Here, the concept of inheritance is significant as it ties back to the covenant God made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to give their descendants the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7).

Furthermore, the passage highlights the importance of passing down these commandments from one generation to another. Parents are instructed to teach these statutes diligently to their children, speaking of them when sitting at home, walking along the road, lying down, and getting up. This emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of instruction in God’s ways, indicating that it should be a consistent and integral part of daily life.

The emphasis on teaching the commandments to the next generation serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it ensures that the knowledge of God’s laws is not lost over time. Secondly, it reinforces the idea of communal responsibility and shared values within the Israelite community. Lastly, it underscores the importance of faith being a central aspect of family life, guiding interactions and decisions at all times.

This call to pass on the teachings of God from one generation to the next is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. A similar sentiment is echoed in Psalm 78:5-7, where it decrees statutes for Jacob and establishes the law in Israel, commanding our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Deuteronomy 6:1-3 emphasizes the significance of obedience to God’s commandments, the promise of inheritance for the faithful, and the essential role of passing down these teachings through generations. The passage serves as a foundational reminder for believers of the enduring importance of living according to God’s Word and ensuring its continuity within families and communities.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is a crucial passage in the Bible known as the Shema, which is a central tenet of Jewish belief and practice. Let’s break down this verse into its key sections:

1. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”
   This opening declaration emphasizes the monotheistic nature of God in Judaism. It is a call to the Israelites to recognize and affirm the oneness and uniqueness of God, standing in contrast to the polytheistic beliefs of the surrounding nations. The belief in one God is fundamental in Jewish faith and is reiterated throughout the Bible.

2. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
   This commandment is known as the Great Commandment, emphasizing the importance of wholehearted love and devotion to God. It calls for a complete commitment to God, involving not just outward actions but also the innermost thoughts and emotions of an individual. Jesus also refers to this commandment in the New Testament in Mark 12:30-31, underlining its enduring significance across both the Old and New Testaments.

3. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.”
   Moses instructs the Israelites to internalize the commandments, ensuring that they are not merely external rules to follow but deeply rooted beliefs that guide their thoughts and actions. This emphasis on the internalization of God’s commandments reflects the importance of personal faith and relationship with God, rather than mere legalistic observance.

4. “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
   Here, Moses instructs the Israelites to pass down their faith to the next generation through intentional and continuous teaching and modeling of God’s commandments. Family plays a central role in transmitting faith and values, and this verse highlights the importance of spiritual education within the family unit.

5. “Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”
   This metaphorical language underscores the need for a constant reminder of God’s commandments in our daily lives. The practice of wearing phylacteries or tefillin on the arm and forehead, containing verses from the Torah, was a physical representation of this commandment in ancient Jewish tradition, serving as a visual reminder to observe God’s laws. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 encapsulates key themes of monotheism, love and devotion to God, internalizing God’s commandments, passing down faith to future generations, and the need for constant remembrance and practice of God’s teachings in our daily lives. These timeless messages continue to resonate with believers today, emphasizing the importance of living out one’s faith authentically and passing it on to others. The Shema remains a foundational declaration of faith for the Jewish people and a profound reminder for all believers to love and serve the Lord wholeheartedly.

Deuteronomy 6:10-15

Several important sections in Deuteronomy 6:10-15 need to be broken down for deeper understanding.

Firstly, let’s look at verses 10-12: “When the Lord your God brings you into the land he swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to give you—a land with large, flourishing cities you did not build, houses filled with all kinds of good things you did not provide, wells you did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves you did not plant—then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”

This passage serves as a reminder to the Israelites of their history and the promises God made to their forefathers. The mention of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is significant as they were key figures in God’s covenant with the people of Israel. God had promised this land to them generations before, and now the Israelites were on the brink of entering it. It speaks to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises, even across generations. The warning against forgetting the Lord in times of plenty is a timeless message. It cautions against the tendency of human nature to become complacent and proud when things are going well. It serves as a reminder to always remain humble and grateful to God, acknowledging His hand in our blessings.

Continuing on to verses 13-15: “Fear the Lord your God, serve him only and take your oaths in his name. Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you; for the Lord your God, who is among you, is a jealous God and his anger will burn against you, and he will destroy you from the face of the land.”

Here, the emphasis is on the exclusivity of worship towards the one true God. The Israelites are instructed to fear and serve only the Lord. This commandment echoes the first of the Ten Commandments given in Exodus 20:3, “You shall have no other gods before me.” The language of God being a jealous God may be difficult to understand, but it speaks to His demand for loyalty and devotion from His people. Throughout the history of Israel, one of the biggest challenges they faced was turning away from the worship of God to follow the idols of the surrounding nations. This warning against idolatry was critical for the preservation of their faith and identity as the chosen people of God. The consequence of turning to other gods is severe, with the mention of destruction from the land. This highlights the seriousness of idolatry in the eyes of God and serves as a cautionary tale for all believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to Him.

Deuteronomy 6:16-19

The passage in Deuteronomy 6:16-19 breaks down into several key sections. “Do not put the Lord your God to the test as you did at Massah.” This part of the verse is a cautionary reminder to the Israelites not to test or challenge God as they did at Massah. The reference to Massah refers to an incident in the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, where they complained of thirst and questioned God’s presence among them. Moses struck a rock to bring forth water under God’s instruction, but the people’s lack of trust and faith in God was evident. This act of testing God’s provision and questioning His presence was seen as a lack of faith and obedience. Thus, the Israelites were warned not to repeat the same mistake.

The significance of this section is the importance of having faith and trust in God’s provision and guidance. Testing God’s faithfulness is unnecessary when one has a deep relationship with Him. This echoes the broader theme in the Bible of God’s faithfulness despite human doubt and disobedience. Throughout the Bible, we see instances where God remains steadfast in His promises, even when His people falter.

1. “Be sure to keep the commands of the Lord your God and the stipulations and decrees he has given.” This part of the verse emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s commands. The Israelites were instructed to adhere to God’s laws and decrees as a demonstration of their faithfulness and commitment to Him. Obedience was not just a mere obligation but a response of gratitude and reverence towards the Lord who had delivered them from slavery in Egypt.

This section highlights the significance of obeying God’s commands as a reflection of one’s love for Him. Obedience, a recurring theme that underscores the covenant relationship between God and His people, is in the broader context of the Bible. Jesus Himself reiterated the importance of obeying God’s commandments in the New Testament (John 14:15), emphasizing the continuity of this principle throughout Scripture.

1. “Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you.” This final section of the verse stresses the importance of righteousness in the eyes of the Lord. The Israelites were encouraged to live according to God’s standards of morality and justice, knowing that such conduct would lead to blessings and prosperity in their lives. They would experience God’s favor and protection by aligning their actions with His will.

This passage serves as a reminder of the principle of sowing and reaping in the Bible. The concept of reaping what one sows is prevalent throughout Scripture, emphasizing the correlation between one’s actions and the resulting consequences. Proverbs 11:27 encapsulates this idea by stating, “Those who seek good find goodwill, but evil comes to one who searches for it.” Therefore, living in accordance with God’s righteousness leads to a life that is pleasing to Him and filled with His blessings.

Deuteronomy 6:20-25

A passage in Deuteronomy 6:20-25 emphasizes the importance of passing down the commandments of the Lord to future generations. Let’s break down this passage into its important components for a more detailed exploration. A child asks their parent about the meaning and significance of the statutes, decrees, and laws that the Lord has commanded them in the first section. This is a pivotal moment as it underscores the responsibility of parents and elders to teach the younger generation about God’s laws and ways. It speaks to the communal aspect of faith and how it is incumbent upon each generation to ensure that the next one is well-versed in the teachings of the Lord.

The parent is instructed to explain to the child that they were slaves in Egypt and that it was the mighty hand of God that delivered them from bondage. The parent not only provides historical context but also demonstrates the faithfulness and power of God in fulfilling His promises by recounting the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt. This narrative serves as a foundation for understanding the importance of obedience and faith in God. The passage reinforces the idea that keeping the commandments and doing what is right in the eyes of the Lord will bring blessings and prosperity as it progresses. Conversely, turning away from God’s commands will result in consequences and potential ruin. This principle of reaping what is sown is a recurring theme throughout the Bible and serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life in alignment with God’s will.

The passage ends with a call to obedience, emphasizing the necessity of following God’s commandments diligently not only for personal benefit but also for the benefit of future generations. It speaks to the enduring nature of God’s laws and the everlasting covenant between God and His people. This call to obedience echoes throughout the Bible, with numerous verses emphasizing the importance of obeying God’s commands, such as in Joshua 22:5, where it says, “But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you: to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to keep his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul. Deuteronomy 6:20-25 underscores the vital role of teaching future generations about God’s commandments, the significance of obedience, and the blessings that come from faithfully following the Lord. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of passing down the faith from one generation to the next and living in accordance with God’s will for our lives.

After Deuteronomy 6

Deuteronomy 6 reminds us of the importance of loving and obeying God with all our hearts, souls, and strength. The chapter emphasizes the significance of passing down God’s commandments to future generations, teaching them diligently to our children. Moses’s words to the Israelites can help us reflect and apply his teachings in our lives today. The lessons learned from the past should guide us as we journey forward in faith, not be forgotten. We may be inspired to live in obedience and love towards the Lord as we meditate on His commandments. We should carry these truths in our hearts as we prepare to delve deeper into the wisdom and guidance found in the following chapters of Deuteronomy.