The command to teach God's words is a central tenet in the Judeo-Christian tradition, emphasizing the importance of imparting divine wisdom and instruction across generations. This command is rooted in the belief that God's words are life-giving, transformative, and essential for righteous living.

Old Testament Foundations

The command to teach is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly within the Torah. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And 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." This passage underscores the importance of integrating God's commandments into daily life and ensuring that they are passed down to future generations.

The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, serves as a foundational prayer and declaration of faith for the Israelites, encapsulating the essence of teaching God's words. The Israelites were instructed to bind these words as a sign on their hands and as frontlets between their eyes, symbolizing the constant presence and influence of God's commandments in their lives.

In addition to parental instruction, the role of priests and Levites was crucial in teaching the law to the people. Leviticus 10:11 commands the priests to "teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given to them through Moses." This institutional teaching ensured that the community remained faithful to God's covenant.

Wisdom Literature and Prophets

The wisdom literature, including Proverbs, further emphasizes the importance of teaching and learning God's wisdom. Proverbs 22:6 advises, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This proverb highlights the long-term impact of early instruction in God's ways.

The prophets also played a significant role in teaching and reminding the people of God's words. Through their messages, they called the Israelites back to faithfulness and adherence to God's commandments, often lamenting the people's neglect of divine instruction.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues the theme of teaching God's words, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate teacher. In the Great Commission, Jesus commands His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20 , "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 directive extends the responsibility of teaching beyond the Jewish community to all nations, emphasizing the universal nature of Christ's teachings.

The apostle Paul also underscores the importance of teaching in the early church. In 2 Timothy 2:2 , Paul instructs Timothy, "And the things you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." This passage highlights the necessity of faithful transmission of apostolic teaching to ensure the continuity and integrity of the Christian faith.

Role of the Church and Family

The church is seen as a primary vehicle for teaching God's words, with pastors and teachers given the responsibility to equip believers for works of service (Ephesians 4:11-12). The communal aspect of teaching is vital, as believers are encouraged to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom" (Colossians 3:16).

The family unit remains a crucial context for teaching God's words, as parents are called to nurture their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). This dual emphasis on both communal and familial teaching ensures that God's words are deeply rooted in the lives of believers.

Conclusion

The command to teach God's words is a timeless mandate that spans both Testaments, emphasizing the necessity of faithful instruction in the ways of the Lord. Through diligent teaching, believers are equipped to live according to God's will, ensuring that His words continue to guide and transform lives across generations.