◄ Deuteronomy 6 ►
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The Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:34–40; Mark 12:28–34) 1These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, 2so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged. 3Hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe them, so that you may prosper and multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.a 5And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.b 6These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. 7And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates. 10And when the LORD your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that He would give you—a land with great and splendid cities that you did not build, 11with houses full of every good thing with which you did not fill them, with wells that you did not dig, and with vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you eat and are satisfied, 12be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 13Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name.c 14Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you. 15For the LORD your God, who is among you, is a jealous God. Otherwise the anger of the LORD your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off the face of the earth. 16Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah.d 17You are to diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has given you. 18Do what is right and good in the sight of the LORD, so that it may be well with you and that you may enter and possess the good land that the LORD your God swore to give your fathers, 19driving out all your enemies before you, as the LORD has said. Teach Your Children 20In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?” 21then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. 23But He brought us out from there to lead us in and give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers. 24And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes and to fear the LORD our God, that we may always be prosperous and preserved, as we are to this day. 25And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness.” Footnotes: 4 a Or The LORD our God is One LORD or The LORD is our God, the LORD is One or The LORD is our God, the LORD alone; cited in Mark 12:29 5 b Cited in Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, and Luke 10:27 13 c Or serve Him, and take your oaths only in His name; cited in Matthew 4:10 and Luke 4:8 16 d Massah means testing; see Exodus 17:7; cited in Matthew 4:7 and Luke 4:12. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Deuteronomy 6 Summary Teach Your Children Verses 1–3 – A Call to Obey and Prosper Moses reminds Israel that the LORD Himself gave the commands, statutes, and ordinances. Obedience is meant to bring “long life,” multiplied descendants, and abundant blessing in the land “flowing with milk and honey.” The focus is not law-keeping for its own sake but trusting love shown through action. Verses 4–9 – The Shema: Love the LORD Alone “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength”. Loyalty must be total—heart, soul, and might. The words are to saturate daily life: taught to children, talked about at home and on the road, bound on hand and forehead, written on doorframes and gates. Faith is to be visible, memorable, and always on the tongue. Verses 10–15 – Warning Against Forgetfulness and Idolatry Prosperity will bring cities they did not build, wells they did not dig, vineyards they did not plant. In that comfort they must “fear the LORD” and serve only Him, lest they follow the gods of the peoples around them. The LORD is “a jealous God,” and idolatry invites destruction. Verses 16–19 – Do Not Test the LORD; Keep His Commands Israel is told, “Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah”. Instead, they must do what is right and good, so that God will drive out enemies and give the promised land, just as He swore to the fathers. Verses 20–25 – Tell the Next Generation When children ask the meaning of the statutes, parents are to recount the account of deliverance from Egypt. Obedience is framed as grateful response to salvation: “The LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes… for our good always”. The law flows from grace already given. Deuteronomy 6 serves as a pivotal call to Israel from Moses, emphasizing both the essential nature of their relationship with God and the crucial responsibility of teaching their children about Him. With both warnings and encouragement, Moses reminds them to remember, obey, and pass down God's commandments. Historical and Literary Setting • Deuteronomy records Moses’ final addresses on the plains of Moab (Deuteronomy 1:1; 34:1). • The first generation rescued from Egypt has died; a new generation stands ready to enter Canaan (Numbers 14:30-33). • Deuteronomy 6 sits at the heart of Moses’ second speech (chapters 5–11), which expands on the Ten Commandments (chapter 5). Key Themes in the Chapter 1. Exclusive loyalty to the LORD. 2. Love expressed through obedience. 3. Teaching the next generation. 4. Danger of prosperity leading to forgetfulness. 5. Blessing tied to covenant faithfulness. The Shema’s Lasting Significance • “Hear” (Hebrew shema) means more than listen; it implies obey. • Declares the oneness and uniqueness of God, countering polytheism in Canaan. • Jesus identifies it as the “foremost” command (Mark 12:29-30). • Early believers saw the Shema fulfilled as Father and Son are one (John 10:30) without contradicting God’s unity. Love and Loyalty in Everyday Life “Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them be a frontlet between your eyes” (v. 8). Practical outworking: • Mind (between eyes) and action (hand). • Mezuzah on doorposts still displays Deuteronomy 6:4-9 in Jewish homes. • For believers today: Scripture on phone lock screens, framed verses, memorization during daily routines. Family Discipleship Parents carry the main responsibility for spiritual formation. Compare: • Psalm 78:4-7—“tell the next generation.” • Ephesians 6:4—“bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” Tips drawn from the text: – Talk about God naturally in ordinary moments (“when you sit, when you walk, when you lie down, when you rise”). – Use accounts of God’s past faithfulness. – Model obedience; children notice lived truth. Prosperity and the Peril of Forgetfulness Verses 10-15 warn that full stomachs often dull spiritual hunger. Cross-references: • Proverbs 30:8-9—“give me neither poverty nor riches… lest I be full and deny You.” • Hosea 13:6—Israel forgot God when satisfied. Guardrails: regular thanksgiving, generous giving, intentional remembrance (e.g., feasts, Lord’s Supper). “Do Not Test the LORD” Verse 16 recalls Massah (Exodus 17:1-7) where Israel complained for water. Jesus quotes this verse to defeat Satan’s temptation to leap from the temple (Matthew 4:7; Luke 4:12). Trust obeys; doubt demands proofs. Archaeological Insights • Scroll fragments from Qumran (4QDeut) contain the Shema, showing careful copying by the 2nd century BC. • First-century leather phylacteries with Deuteronomy 6:4-9 found in the Judean desert. • Ivory pomegranate inscription (“Holy to the priests of the house of YHWH”) echoes the exclusive worship stressed here. • Doorframe inscriptions unearthed in ancient Israelite houses align with the mezuzah practice. Connections to the Broader Story • Deuteronomy 6 looks back to the Exodus (v. 21) and forward to life in the land (v. 18). • Joshua’s later charge—“as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15)—mirrors the chapter’s household focus. • 2 Kings 23:2-3—Josiah renews covenant using Deuteronomy, likely including chapter 6. • In Romans 10:8-10, Paul references Deuteronomy 30—but the pattern of heart-belief leading to action ties back to Deuteronomy 6’s “heart…soul…strength.” Practical Applications Today • Memorize the Shema to anchor daily devotion. • Let love for God shape choices at work, school, and home. • Use meals as times to recount God’s goodness. • Guard against subtle idols—career, comfort, entertainment. • Make Scripture visible in the home as conversation starters. Key Word Glimpses “Hear” (shema): listen with intent to act. “Love” (ahav): covenant loyalty shown in deeds. “Heart” (levav): inner being—mind, will, feelings. “Might/strength” (me’od): all resources—energy, assets, influence. Summary Ripple Effect A people rescued by grace are called to love the LORD with everything, remember Him in prosperity, reject competing gods, and pass the account on so future generations do the same. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus reiterates the greatest commandment, linking it to loving one’s neighbor. Proverbs 3:1-6 Emphasizes the importance of keeping God’s commandments and trusting in Him. Joshua 1:8 Encourages meditating on God’s Word day and night for success and prosperity. Psalm 119:11 Highlights the importance of hiding God’s Word in our hearts to avoid sin. Teaching Points The Greatest Commandment Deuteronomy 6:5 states, And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. This verse underscores the totality of devotion God requires from His people. The Shema Verses 4-9, known as the Shema, are central to Jewish prayer and highlight the monotheistic essence of faith: Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One (Deuteronomy 6:4). Importance of God’s Word The chapter emphasizes the need to keep God’s commandments at the forefront of daily life, as seen in verses 6-9, which instruct believers to teach them diligently to their children and discuss them in daily routines. Warning Against Forgetfulness Verses 10-12 warn against forgetting the Lord in times of prosperity, reminding believers to remain humble and grateful. Obedience and Blessing The chapter concludes with a reminder that obedience to God’s commandments leads to righteousness and blessing (Deuteronomy 6:24-25). Practical Applications Daily Devotion Make it a habit to start and end your day with prayer and Scripture reading, keeping God’s Word central in your life. Family Discipleship Incorporate Bible study and prayer into family routines, teaching children the importance of God’s commandments. Mindful Living Be intentional about remembering God’s goodness and faithfulness, especially in times of abundance. Community Engagement Share the love and knowledge of God with others, fostering a community that values and upholds His commandments. People 1. The LORD (Yahweh) The central figure in Deuteronomy 6, Yahweh is the one true God who commands the Israelites to love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength. The Hebrew name used here is יהוה (YHWH), which is considered the sacred and personal name of God. 2. Moses Although not directly mentioned by name in Deuteronomy 6, Moses is the speaker of the commandments, as he is the one delivering God's laws to the Israelites. He serves as the mediator between God and the people. 3. The Israelites The collective group to whom the commandments are given. They are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, chosen by God to be His people and to follow His laws. 4. Fathers Referring to the ancestors of the Israelites, to whom God made promises. The Hebrew term used is אָבוֹת (avot), which signifies the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 5. Sons The children of the Israelites, who are to be taught the commandments diligently. The Hebrew word בָּנִים (banim) is used, emphasizing the importance of passing down the faith to the next generation. Places 1. The Land (Hebrew: הָאָרֶץ, ha'aretz) This refers to the Promised Land that God swore to give to the ancestors of the Israelites. It is described as a land "flowing with milk and honey," symbolizing abundance and prosperity (Deuteronomy 6:3). 2. Egypt (Hebrew: מִצְרַיִם, Mitzrayim) While not directly mentioned in Deuteronomy 6, the context of the chapter includes the deliverance from Egypt, which is a significant backdrop for the commandments given. The Israelites are reminded of their past slavery and God's deliverance as a motivation to obey His laws (Deuteronomy 6:12). 3. The House (Hebrew: בַּיִת, bayit) This term is used metaphorically to refer to the households of the Israelites, where the commandments should be taught diligently to children. It emphasizes the importance of the home as a place of instruction and remembrance of God's laws (Deuteronomy 6:7). 4. The Cities (Hebrew: עָרִים, arim) The chapter implies the cities that the Israelites will inhabit in the Promised Land, which they did not build themselves. These cities are part of the blessings that God is giving them (Deuteronomy 6:10). 5. The Land of the Amorites (Hebrew: אֱמֹרִי, Emori) While not explicitly named in Deuteronomy 6, the Amorites are one of the peoples whose land the Israelites are to possess. The context of the chapter includes the conquest of these lands as part of God's promise (Deuteronomy 6:10). Events 1. Command to Love and Obey God Deuteronomy 6 begins with a command to the Israelites to love and obey God. The chapter emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments, decrees, and laws. The Hebrew word for "commandments" is "מִצְוֹת" (mitzvot), which signifies the divine laws given to guide the Israelites. 2. The Shema: Declaration of Faith Verses 4-5 contain the Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." The Hebrew word "שְׁמַע" (Shema) means "hear" or "listen," indicating the importance of attentive obedience. 3. Instructions for Teaching Children The chapter instructs parents to diligently teach these commandments to their children, discussing them at home and on the road, when lying down and getting up. This emphasizes the importance of passing down faith and values to the next generation. 4. Symbols and Reminders The Israelites are told to bind these commandments as symbols on their hands and foreheads and to write them on the doorposts of their houses and gates. This practice serves as a constant reminder of God's laws and presence in daily life. 5. Warning Against Forgetting God The chapter warns the Israelites not to forget the LORD who brought them out of Egypt when they settle in the Promised Land and experience prosperity. The Hebrew root "שָׁכַח" (shakach) means "to forget," highlighting the danger of neglecting God amidst abundance. 6. Call to Exclusive Worship The Israelites are commanded to fear the LORD and serve Him only, avoiding the worship of other gods. This underscores the monotheistic belief central to the Israelite faith and the covenant relationship with God. 7. Reminder of God's Faithfulness The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's faithfulness in delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and the importance of observing His statutes as a testimony to future generations. Lessons from Deuteronomy 6 1. Love the Lord Your God with All Your Heart Deuteronomy 6:5 commands, "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This is the foundation of a life well-lived. When we prioritize our love for God, everything else falls into place. It's not just about feelings but a commitment to put God first in every aspect of our lives. This love fuels our actions, decisions, and interactions with others, creating a ripple effect of positivity and purpose. 2. Teach Your Children Diligently Verse 7 emphasizes the importance of passing on our faith: "And you shall teach them diligently to your children." Our children are the future, and instilling in them the values and truths of Scripture is crucial. This isn't just a Sunday activity but a daily practice. Share stories, discuss biblical principles, and live out your faith as an example for them to follow. This is how we ensure the continuity of faith through generations. 3. Keep God's Word Close Deuteronomy 6:6 says, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts." Keeping God's Word close means more than just reading it; it means internalizing it. Memorize Scripture, meditate on it, and let it guide your thoughts and actions. When God's Word is in your heart, it becomes a source of strength and wisdom in every situation. 4. Talk About God in Everyday Life Verse 7 continues, "Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Integrate discussions about God into your daily routine. Whether you're at home, on a walk, or winding down for the night, make God a part of your conversations. This constant dialogue keeps your focus on Him and reinforces His presence in your life. 5. Bind God's Commands as Symbols Deuteronomy 6:8 instructs, "Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." This symbolic act serves as a constant reminder of God's commands. In modern terms, it could mean setting reminders on your phone or placing Scripture around your home. These visual cues help keep God's Word at the forefront of your mind throughout the day. 6. Write God's Words on Your Doorposts Verse 9 advises, "Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates." This practice signifies that your home is a place where God is honored. By displaying Scripture in your living space, you create an environment that reflects your faith and serves as a testament to visitors of the values you hold dear. 7. Remember God's Faithfulness Deuteronomy 6:12 warns, "Be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." Remembering God's past faithfulness strengthens our trust in Him for the future. Reflect on the ways God has worked in your life and let those memories fuel your faith and gratitude. 8. Fear the Lord and Serve Him Only Verse 13 commands, "Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name." This reverent fear is about respect and awe for God's power and authority. Serving Him only means prioritizing His will above all else. When we align our lives with His purpose, we find true fulfillment and peace. 9. Do Not Follow Other Gods Deuteronomy 6:14 warns against idolatry: "Do not follow other gods, the gods of the peoples around you." In today's world, idols can take many forms—money, success, or even technology. Stay vigilant and ensure that nothing takes precedence over your relationship with God. Keep your focus on Him, and He will guide your path. 10. Obey for Your Own Good Finally, verse 24 reminds us, "And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the LORD our God, for our good always and for our survival, as it is today." God's commands are not burdensome; they are designed for our well-being. By following His statutes, we align ourselves with His perfect plan, leading to a life of joy, peace, and eternal significance. Topics 1. The Command to Love God (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) This passage contains the Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שְׁמַע" (shema), which implies not just listening but also obeying. Verse 5 commands, "And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." 2. The Importance of God's Commandments (Deuteronomy 6:1-3) These verses emphasize the importance of keeping God's commandments, statutes, and ordinances. The purpose is to "fear the LORD your God" and to ensure a prosperous life in the Promised Land. The Hebrew word for "fear" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which can mean reverence or awe. 3. Teaching the Commandments to Future Generations (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) This section stresses the importance of teaching God's commandments to children. The commandments should be on the heart, and parents are instructed to talk about them at home and on the road, when lying down and getting up. The practice of binding them as a sign on the hand and as frontlets between the eyes is also mentioned. 4. Warning Against Forgetting God (Deuteronomy 6:10-15) Here, Moses warns the Israelites not to forget the LORD when they enter the land and experience prosperity. The Hebrew word for "forget" is "שָׁכַח" (shakach), which implies neglect or disregard. The passage warns against following other gods, emphasizing God's jealousy and the consequences of idolatry. 5. Exhortation to Obey God (Deuteronomy 6:16-19) The Israelites are instructed not to test the LORD as they did at Massah. Instead, they are to diligently keep His commandments and do what is right and good. The Hebrew word for "test" is "נָסָה" (nasah), which means to try or prove. 6. The Purpose of the Commandments (Deuteronomy 6:20-25) This section explains the purpose of the commandments: to ensure righteousness and to remember God's deliverance from Egypt. When children ask about the meaning of the statutes, parents are to recount the account of the Exodus and God's mighty acts. Themes 1. The Shema and the Call to Love God Deuteronomy 6:4-5 introduces the Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism and Christianity: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." The Hebrew word for "hear" is "שְׁמַע" (shema), which implies not just listening but also obeying. This theme emphasizes the monotheistic belief in one God and the call to love Him wholly and completely. 2. The Importance of God's Commandments Verses 6-9 stress the importance of keeping God's commandments at the forefront of daily life: "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. Teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." The Hebrew root "לָמַד" (lamad) for "teach" suggests a continuous, diligent instruction, highlighting the importance of passing down God's laws to future generations. 3. Remembrance and Gratitude for Deliverance In verses 10-12, the Israelites are reminded to remember God's deliverance from Egypt: "When the LORD your God brings you into the land He swore to your fathers... be careful not to forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." The theme here is the importance of gratitude and remembrance of God's past acts of salvation, which serves as a foundation for faith and obedience. 4. Exclusive Worship and Avoidance of Idolatry Verses 13-15 command exclusive worship of God: "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." The Hebrew word "יָרֵא" (yare) for "fear" implies reverence and awe. This theme underscores the necessity of exclusive devotion to God and the rejection of idolatry, warning against the influence of surrounding cultures. 5. Testing and Obedience In verses 16-19, the Israelites are instructed not to test God: "Do not test the LORD your God as you tested Him at Massah." The Hebrew root "נָסָה" (nasah) for "test" refers to putting God to the proof, which is discouraged. This theme emphasizes trust and obedience to God's commands without doubt or testing His faithfulness. 6. Transmission of Faith to Future Generations Verses 20-25 focus on the responsibility to educate future generations about God's laws and deeds: "In the future, when your son asks you, 'What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?'... tell him..." This theme highlights the importance of storytelling and teaching as a means of preserving faith and ensuring that the knowledge of God's works and commandments is passed down through generations. Prayer Points Love for God Pray for a deeper love and devotion to God, asking for the strength to love Him with all your heart, soul, and strength. Wisdom in Teaching Ask for wisdom and creativity in teaching God’s commandments to your children and others. Gratitude and Humility Pray for a heart that remains grateful and humble, recognizing God’s provision in all circumstances. Obedience and Faithfulness Seek God’s help in living a life of obedience and faithfulness to His Word. As we reflect on Deuteronomy 6, may we be inspired to live lives that honor God, teaching His truths to the next generation and keeping His commandments at the center of our hearts. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Deuteronomy 6:4, declaring “the LORD is one,” be reconciled with later Christian concepts of the Trinity? 2. If Deuteronomy 6:5 commands total love for God, doesn’t this undermine genuine free will by requiring absolute devotion? 3. Why should the Israelites claim cities they did not build and harvest crops they did not plant (Deuteronomy 6:10–11), and doesn’t this raise ethical dilemmas? 4. Does the historical absence of artifacts confirming the widespread practice of placing God’s laws on doorposts (Deuteronomy 6:9) challenge the chapter’s literal reliability? 5. How do the promises of blessing and long life for obedience (Deuteronomy 6:2–3) align with instances where the obedient still faced suffering or premature death? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. Why do you think Moses stressed the importance of loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength? 2. How can one apply the principle of the Shema in today's context? 3. What methods can you employ to keep God's word close to your heart daily? 4. How does prosperity potentially lead to spiritual forgetfulness or complacency? 5. How can parents today ensure their children understand and appreciate the story of God's faithfulness? 6. How does the warning against idolatry apply in a modern context, where traditional idols might not be as prevalent? 7. Why is it emphasized to not test God? 8. What modern "gods" or idols might people be tempted to follow today? 9. How can we prevent our achievements or material success from overshadowing our relationship with God? 10. In what ways can we remind ourselves daily of God's commandments and their importance? 11. Why is teaching the next generation about faith deemed crucial in this chapter? 12. How can believers today effectively pass on their faith to their children or younger generations? 13. How do we balance the teachings of Deuteronomy 6 with the challenges and influences of the modern world? 14. How can communities and churches support parents in teaching children about God's commandments? 15. In what ways might we be testing God in our own lives without even realizing it? 16. How does obedience to God bring blessings, and how might this look in a modern context? 17. What strategies can one use to remember God's commands and stay grounded in times of prosperity? 18. How can you integrate the teachings of Deuteronomy 6 into your daily life and decision-making? 19. Why is it important to recount our personal stories of faith and deliverance to the younger generation? 20. How does the connection between obedience and well-being presented in this chapter reflect in contemporary society? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions