Deuteronomy 6:3
Hear, 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.
Hear, O Israel
The Hebrew word for "hear" is "shema," which implies not just listening but also understanding and obeying. This call to attention is a central theme in Jewish tradition, emphasizing the importance of active listening and response to God's commandments. The phrase "O Israel" signifies a collective call to the nation, reminding them of their identity as God's chosen people. Historically, this call to hear and obey was crucial as the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land, reinforcing their covenant relationship with God.

be careful to observe them
The Hebrew root for "be careful" is "shamar," meaning to guard or keep. This implies a diligent and intentional effort to follow God's laws. "Observe" suggests not just passive acknowledgment but active practice. The Israelites are reminded of the importance of living out God's commandments in their daily lives. This phrase underscores the covenantal responsibility of the Israelites to maintain their part of the agreement with God, ensuring His continued blessings.

so that it may go well with you
This phrase highlights the conditional nature of God's blessings. The well-being of the Israelites is directly linked to their obedience to God's commandments. The historical context here is significant; as the Israelites stood on the brink of entering Canaan, they were reminded that their prosperity in the new land depended on their faithfulness to God. This reflects a broader biblical principle that obedience to God leads to spiritual and material blessings.

and you may increase greatly
The promise of increase, both in numbers and prosperity, is a recurring theme in God's covenant with Israel. The Hebrew word for "increase" is "rabah," which conveys the idea of multiplication and abundance. This promise is rooted in God's original blessing to Abraham, where He promised to make his descendants as numerous as the stars. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His desire for His people to flourish.

in a land flowing with milk and honey
This phrase paints a vivid picture of abundance and prosperity. "Milk and honey" symbolize fertility and richness, indicating a land that can sustain and nourish its inhabitants. Archaeologically, the land of Canaan was indeed fertile, with evidence of advanced agricultural practices. This description serves as a powerful motivator for the Israelites, encouraging them to trust in God's provision and look forward to the fulfillment of His promises.

just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you
This phrase reaffirms the continuity of God's covenantal promises from the patriarchs to the present generation. "The LORD" (YHWH) is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal and unchanging nature. "The God of your fathers" connects the current generation to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reminding them of the longstanding relationship and promises God made to their forefathers. This historical continuity provides assurance of God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises being fulfilled.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Israel
The nation chosen by God, consisting of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. They are the primary audience of this command.

2. Moses
The prophet and leader of Israel who delivered God's laws and commandments to the people.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who made promises to the patriarchs and is faithful to fulfill them.

4. The Promised Land
Referred to as "a land flowing with milk and honey," symbolizing abundance and God's provision.

5. The Fathers (Patriarchs)
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to whom God made promises regarding their descendants and the land.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Listening and Obedience
The command to "hear" and "be careful to observe" emphasizes the need for attentive listening and diligent obedience to God's Word.

God's Faithfulness to His Promises
The reference to "the God of your fathers" reminds us of God's unchanging nature and His faithfulness to fulfill His promises.

Blessings of Obedience
The promise that "it may go well with you" underscores the principle that obedience to God leads to blessings and prosperity.

Generational Impact
The call to obedience is not just for individual benefit but for the prosperity and growth of future generations in the land.

Spiritual Abundance
The imagery of a land "flowing with milk and honey" can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual abundance found in a life aligned with God's will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the command to "hear" in Deuteronomy 6:3 relate to the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, and what does it teach us about the nature of true obedience?

2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness to His promises in our own lives, similar to His faithfulness to the patriarchs?

3. How can we apply the principle of "being careful to observe" God's commandments in our daily routines and decision-making processes?

4. What are some modern-day "lands flowing with milk and honey" that God might be calling us to enter, and how can we prepare ourselves to receive them?

5. How does the concept of generational blessings and obedience in Deuteronomy 6:3 challenge us to think about our legacy and influence on future generations?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3:8
This verse describes God's promise to deliver Israel from Egypt and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey, connecting to the fulfillment of His promises.

Leviticus 20:24
God reiterates the promise of the land to the Israelites, emphasizing His role as their God who sets them apart.

Hebrews 11:8-10
Highlights the faith of Abraham in God's promises, which is foundational to understanding the inheritance of the land.

Psalm 119:1-2
Speaks to the blessings of obedience to God's laws, which aligns with the call to "be careful to observe them" in Deuteronomy 6:3.
Obedience the End of LawD. Davies Deuteronomy 6:1-3
The Essence of the Decalogue is LoveR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 6:1-5
People
Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Massah
Topics
Care, Careful, Ear, Exceedingly, Fathers, Floweth, Flowing, Greatly, Hast, Heed, Honey, Increase, Increased, Listen, Mayest, Mightily, Milk, Multiply, O, Obey, Observe, Observed, Promised, Spoken
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 6:3

     1349   covenant, at Sinai
     4209   land, spiritual aspects
     4404   food
     4480   milk

Deuteronomy 6:1-3

     1335   blessing
     5103   Moses, significance
     6703   peace, divine OT
     8404   commands, in OT

Deuteronomy 6:1-8

     8315   orthodoxy, in OT

Deuteronomy 6:2-7

     5376   law, purpose of

Library
Home-Education.
SECTION I. THE CHARACTER OF HOME EDUCATION. "Scratch the green rind of a sapling, or wantonly twist it in the soil, The scarred and crooked oak will tell of thee for centuries to come; Wherefore, though the voice of instruction waiteth for the ear of reason, Yet with his mother's milk the young child drinketh education." We come now to consider one of the most important features of the Christian home, viz., as a school for the education of character. This is important because of its vital bearing
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Real Nature and Purpose of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: A large and complex library] Turning from the Jewish and mediaeval traditions and theories which so easily beset us, we ask, What is the real nature of the Old Testament as it is revealed in this new and clearer light? The first conclusion is that it is a library containing a large and complex literature, recording the varied experiences, political, social, ethical, and religious, of the Israelitish race. The fact that it is a library consisting of many different books is recognized
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law.
Text: 2 Corinthians 3, 4-11. 4 And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned
'But when the Pharisees had heard that He had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him, and saying, 36. Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38. This is the first and great commandment. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40.
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Parable of the Good Samaritan.
(Probably Judæa.) ^C Luke X. 25-37. ^c 25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [For the term lawyer see pp. 313, 314, The lawyer wished to make trial of the skill of Jesus in solving the intricate and difficult question as to how to obtain salvation. Jesus was probably teaching in some house or courtyard, and his habit of giving local color to his parables suggests that he was probably in or near Bethany, through
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is Neighbour to Us: the First, Concerning the Love That, Unasked, Gives in Our
THE period between Christ's return from the Feast of the Dedication' and His last entry into Jerusalem, may be arranged into two parts, divided by the brief visit to Bethany for the purpose of raising Lazarus from the dead. Even if it were possible, with any certainty, chronologically to arrange the events of each of these periods, the variety and briefness of what is recorded would prevent our closely following them in this narrative. Accordingly, we prefer grouping them together as the Parables
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Eclipse and Rediscovery of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: Jesus' study of the Old Testament] The opening chapters of the Gospels record only three or four meagre facts regarding the first thirty years of Jesus' life. The real history of those significant years ran so far beneath the surface of external events that it completely escaped the historian. The history of the mental and spiritual life of the Master is recorded in his mature character and teachings. The fugitive hints, however, vividly illustrate the supreme fact that he ever grew
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. These two short treatises were found among Mr. Bunyan's papers after his decease. They probably were intended for publication, like his 'Prison Meditations' and his 'Map of Salvation,' on a single page each, in the form of a broadside, or handbill. This was the popular mode in which tracts were distributed; and when posted against a wall, or framed and hung up in a room, they excited notice, and were extensively read. They might also have afforded some trifling profit to aid
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius Cæsar and under the Pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas - a Voice in the Wilderness
THERE is something grand, even awful, in the almost absolute silence which lies upon the thirty years between the Birth and the first Messianic Manifestation of Jesus. In a narrative like that of the Gospels, this must have been designed; and, if so, affords presumptive evidence of the authenticity of what follows, and is intended to teach, that what had preceded concerned only the inner History of Jesus, and the preparation of the Christ. At last that solemn silence was broken by an appearance,
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

On the Symbols of the Essence' and Coessential. '
We must look at the sense not the wording. The offence excited is at the sense; meaning of the Symbols; the question of their not being in Scripture. Those who hesitate only at coessential,' not to be considered Arians. Reasons why coessential' is better than like-in-essence,' yet the latter may be interpreted in a good sense. Explanation of the rejection of coessential' by the Council which condemned the Samosatene; use of the word by Dionysius of Alexandria; parallel variation in the use of Unoriginate;
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and Return of the Seventy - the Home at Bethany - Martha and Mary
ALTHOUGH, for the reasons explained in the previous chapter, the exact succession of events cannot be absolutely determined, it seems most likely, that it was on His progress southwards at this time that Jesus designated' [3870] those seventy' [3871] others,' who were to herald His arrival in every town and village. Even the circumstance, that the instructions to them are so similar to, and yet distinct from, those formerly given to the Twelve, seems to point to them as those from whom the Seventy
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Worship of the Synagogue
One of the most difficult questions in Jewish history is that connected with the existence of a synagogue within the Temple. That such a "synagogue" existed, and that its meeting-place was in "the hall of hewn stones," at the south-eastern angle of the court of the priest, cannot be called in question, in face of the clear testimony of contemporary witnesses. Considering that "the hall of hew stones" was also the meeting-place for the great Sanhedrim, and that not only legal decisions, but lectures
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Christian Home
Scripture references: Ephesians 6:1-9; 5:25-33; Colossians 3:17-25; 1 Corinthians 7:12-17; Mark 10:2-12; 7:9-13; 5:19; 1 Timothy 5:4; Luke 15:6; Titus 2:1-15; Exodus 20:12,17; Deuteronomy 6:1-9. THE HOME What is a Home?--It has been answered that, "It is the unit of society." It has also been pointed out that this unit must be kept clean, pure and right, in all its relations, or society and the state will suffer grave consequences. Certainly, in the past, the institutions of society and state have
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

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