Commentary on Deuteronomy 6

Deuteronomy 6 stands as a foundational chapter in the Old Testament, encapsulating the essence of Israel's covenant relationship with God. It emphasizes the singular nature of God (the Shema), the command to love Him wholeheartedly, and the imperative to diligently teach His commands to future generations. The chapter warns against forgetting God in prosperity and highlights the importance of remembering His mighty acts of deliverance, urging a lifestyle of obedience rooted in love and gratitude.

Historical context

Deuteronomy, meaning “second law,” is essentially a series of sermons delivered by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they entered the Promised Land. Forty years had passed since their exodus from Egypt, and the generation that had experienced the miracles at Sinai had largely died off in the wilderness. A new generation stood on the cusp of inheriting God's promises.

Moses's purpose in Deuteronomy 6 was to prepare this new generation for life in the land. He knew that prosperity could lead to spiritual complacency and idolatry, a pattern seen throughout Israel's history. Thus, he reiterated the core tenets of the covenant, reminding them of God's faithfulness and their obligations. The cultural context was one where surrounding nations worshipped multiple deities, making Israel's monotheistic confession, the Shema, a radical declaration of faith and identity.

Verse by verse

• 1:

  Moses begins by stating the purpose of these commands: to teach the people to fear the Lord and obey His decrees, ensuring their prosperity and longevity in the land they are about to possess. This sets the stage for the practical implications of their covenant with God.

• 2:

  The emphasis here is on the intergenerational transfer of faith. The commands are not just for the current generation but for their children and grandchildren, ensuring a lasting legacy of reverence for God and a long life in the land.

• 3:

  Obedience to God's commands is directly linked to blessing and multiplication. Israel is reminded that their well-being and growth as a nation are contingent upon their attentive listening and faithful adherence to God's word.

• 4:

  This verse, the beginning of the Shema (from the Hebrew word shema' (שְׁמַע), meaning “hear” or “listen”), is one of the most significant declarations in all of Scripture: “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.” It affirms the absolute monotheism of Israel's faith, distinguishing YHWH from all other gods and demanding exclusive loyalty.

• 5:

  Following the declaration of God's singularity, the command to love Him with all one's heart, soul, and strength is given. This is not a mere emotional sentiment but a total commitment of one's inner being, life, and resources. This verse is later cited by Jesus as the greatest commandment (Matt 22:37).

• 6:

  The commands are not to be abstract rules but deeply internalized truths, residing “in your hearts.” This suggests a transformation of the inner person, where God's word becomes an integral part of one's identity and motivation.

• 7:

  This verse outlines the practical means of intergenerational discipleship. Parents are to diligently teach God's commands to their children, integrating them into every aspect of daily life—at home, on journeys, at rest, and at work. Faith is to be woven into the fabric of everyday existence.

• 8:

  The commands are to be visible and constant reminders. Tying them on hands and foreheads later developed into the practice of wearing tefillin (phylacteries), while writing them on doorframes led to the mezuzah. The intent is a pervasive awareness of God's law.

• 10:

  Moses warns Israel about the dangers of prosperity. When they enter the land and enjoy blessings they did not earn—cities, houses, wells, vineyards—there will be a temptation to forget the Lord who gave them everything.

• 12:

  This verse serves as a solemn warning: “Be careful not to forget the Lord.” Forgetting God is not merely a lapse of memory but a turning away from His covenant and a failure to acknowledge His grace in their lives.

• 16:

  Israel is commanded not to test the Lord, recalling their rebellion at Massah (Exod 17:1-7). This means not doubting His provision or power, nor demanding signs, but trusting in His character and promises.

• 20:

  Moses anticipates a future question from their children: “What do these decrees, laws, and regulations mean?” This highlights the importance of being prepared to articulate the faith and its historical roots to the next generation.

• 21:

  The answer to the children's question is to recount God's redemptive history—how He delivered them from slavery in Egypt with a mighty hand. This narrative of salvation forms the core of Israel's identity and their reason for obedience.

• 24:

  Obedience to God's commands is presented not as a burden but as a pathway to their own good, ensuring their continued well-being and life. God's law is for their benefit, flowing from His loving character.

Key themes

• Monotheism and exclusive devotion
• Love for God
• Intergenerational discipleship
• Warning against forgetting God
• Obedience and blessing

Application

Deuteronomy 6 calls us to a radical, wholehearted devotion to God that permeates every aspect of our lives. The Shema (Deut 6:4-5) reminds us that our God is one, demanding our exclusive love and loyalty. This love is not merely an emotion but a commitment of our entire being—heart, soul, and strength. For us today, this means that our faith should not be compartmentalized but should inform our thoughts, desires, actions, and relationships.

The emphasis on diligent teaching (Deut 6:7) challenges us, especially as parents and spiritual mentors, to intentionally pass on the truths of God's Word to the next generation. This isn't just about formal lessons but about integrating faith into daily conversations, modeling it in our homes, and explaining its relevance in every circumstance. Furthermore, the warning against forgetting God in times of prosperity (Deut 6:10-12) serves as a timeless caution. When life is good, it's easy to become self-sufficient and neglect our dependence on God. This chapter calls us to continually remember God's gracious acts of salvation in our lives, culminating in the ultimate deliverance offered through Christ, and to respond with grateful obedience.

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