The concept of the reiteration of God's command is a significant theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of obedience, remembrance, and the reinforcement of divine instructions. This repetition serves to remind the faithful of God's will and to ensure that His commandments are deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of His people.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Ten Commandments: One of the most prominent examples of reiteration is found in the giving of the Ten Commandments. Initially presented in Exodus 20, these commandments are reiterated in Deuteronomy 5. This repetition underscores their foundational importance to the covenant relationship between God and Israel. In Deuteronomy 5:6-7 , it states, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me."

2. The Shema: In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, the Shema is a central declaration of faith in Judaism, emphasizing the need to remember and teach God's commands. The passage begins, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This command is reiterated to ensure that it is taught to future generations, highlighting the importance of continual remembrance and obedience.

3. Joshua's Leadership: As Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, God reiterates His commands to be strong and courageous, to obey the Law, and to meditate on it day and night. Joshua 1:7-8 states, "Above all, be strong and very courageous. Be careful to observe all the law that My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may prosper wherever you go."

New Testament Examples

1. The Great Commandment: Jesus reiterates the importance of love as the greatest commandment. In Matthew 22:37-39 , He says, "'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 reiteration highlights the continuity of God's moral law from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

2. The Last Supper: During the Last Supper, Jesus reiterates the command to remember Him through the practice of communion. In Luke 22:19 , it is written, "And He took the bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is My body, given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.'" This command is reiterated by the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:24-25, emphasizing its ongoing significance for the Church.

3. The Great Commission: Before His ascension, Jesus reiterates the command to spread the Gospel. In Matthew 28:19-20 , He instructs, "Therefore 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 central to the mission of the Church and is reiterated in various forms throughout the New Testament.

Purpose and Significance

The reiteration of God's commands serves several purposes. It acts as a safeguard against forgetfulness and disobedience, ensuring that God's people remain aligned with His will. It also reinforces the continuity and consistency of God's moral and spiritual expectations across different covenants and dispensations. Through repetition, believers are reminded of the unchanging nature of God's word and the importance of living in accordance with His commands.