"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. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children."

Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Three important themes interweave in this chapter: (1) God’s commandments, laws, decrees, stipulations; (2) what the Lord has done and will do for and to his people; and (3) lots of verbs describing how the people are to respond to God. Consider tracing these themes, perhaps with a colored pen. Remember that Jesus battled Satan with two verses from this chapter (vv. 13,16)1 and that here he found also the greatest commandment (v. 5).

Verses 4 and 5 are the first words of the Torah that a Jewish child learns. Listen! God is the Lord. He is the only God. We are to love him totally, with all our heart and soul and ‘muchness’ (literally). This is the plumb line running through Jewish life. Love is commanded—so it is not just a feeling which may come or go. It denotes obedience, loyalty, reverence—and it is linked with fearing God too (v. 24), with which it is completely compatible. It is assumed (v. 7) that this is a family matter which is talked about at home with children and grandchildren; many Jews still have a mezuzah on their door frame. It is more important, though, to have these words bound on one’s heart than on one’s arm, neck, or head. What is your faith-gift to your children and grandchildren, if you have any, or to any youngsters who are near to you?

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you that your correction and instruction bring me life. Help me to keep them as the mainstay of my journey with you (edited from Encounter with God).