In the Holy Scriptures, the repetition of God's commands serves as a significant theological and pedagogical tool. This repetition underscores the importance of the commands and ensures that they are deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of the faithful. The reiteration of divine instructions is evident throughout both the Old and New Testaments, emphasizing the unchanging nature of God's will and the necessity of obedience.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Ten Commandments: One of the most prominent examples of God's command being repeated is found in the giving of the Ten Commandments. Initially presented in Exodus 20:1-17, these commandments are reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:6-21. This repetition occurs as Moses addresses a new generation of Israelites, emphasizing the continuity of God's covenant and the enduring relevance of His laws.

2. The Shema: In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, the Shema is introduced as a central declaration of faith: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." This command to love God with all one's heart, soul, and strength is repeated and expanded upon throughout the book of Deuteronomy, highlighting its foundational role in the life of Israel.

3. Instructions for Worship and Sacrifice: The detailed instructions for worship and sacrifice given in Leviticus are reiterated in Numbers and Deuteronomy. This repetition ensures that the Israelites understand the holiness required in approaching God and the importance of maintaining purity and obedience in their worship practices.

New Testament Examples

1. The Great Commandment: Jesus reiterates the importance of loving God and neighbor in the synoptic Gospels. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus quotes the Shema and Leviticus 19:18, saying, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" This repetition underscores the continuity of Jesus' teaching with the Old Testament law.

2. The Great Commission: In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This command is echoed in Acts 1:8, where Jesus tells His disciples that they will be His witnesses "to the ends of the earth." The repetition of this command highlights the mission of the Church and the global scope of the Gospel.

3. Warnings Against False Teachings: The New Testament epistles frequently repeat warnings against false teachings and exhortations to hold fast to the true Gospel. For instance, Paul warns the Galatians in Galatians 1:8-9 about those who preach a different gospel, and similar warnings are found in 2 Peter 2 and Jude. This repetition serves to protect the early Church from doctrinal error and to preserve the purity of the faith.

Theological Significance

The repetition of God's commands in Scripture serves several purposes. It acts as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His eternal standards of righteousness. It also reflects the human tendency to forget and stray from God's ways, necessitating constant reminders and reinforcement. Furthermore, repeated commands emphasize the seriousness of God's instructions and the consequences of disobedience. Through repetition, believers are called to a deeper understanding and commitment to living according to God's will, ensuring that His commands are not only heard but also faithfully observed.