Deuteronomy 6

We’re up to chapter 6 in our Deuteronomy in June series.

Things to ponder and consider:
* This point (6:1) is where the history lesson ends and the exhortation begins.
* Obedience on behalf of Israel is how she is to express genuine loyalty to or fear of Yahweh. ‘Fear’ of Yahweh is a recurring motif in the book: Deut 4:10; 5:29; 6:2, 13, 24; 8:6; 10:12, 20; 11:25; 13:4; 14:23; 17:19; 25:18; 28:58; 31:12-13; cf. also Deut 5:5; 7:21; 10:17, 21; 13:11; 17:13; 19:20; 21:21; 25:18.
* How to interpret the Bible is a big question today. Should we interpret it literally or not? Well, Deut 6:3 says the Promised Land is a land "flowing with milk and honey". And, when we read the accounts of the spies in Num 13:23 and 27, we read that they brought back figs, grapes and pomegrantes. This is confirmation that the land is flowing with milk and honey: Num 13:27.
* In Deut 6:4-5 we have the greatest commandment! Remember, in contrast to the English idiom where the ‘heart’ signifies the seat of the emotions and feelings, in Hebrew the ‘heart’ primarily signifies the seat of the intellect, will, and intention. That's why ‘mind’ is added to the list in the New Testament.
* What do verses 6-9 say about who this is applies to? These verses show us that it was not just for the priests, and it’s not just a legalistic code. It is for everyone in everyday life.
* In verses 20-25, we read about how the family is to teach its children the meaning of these commandments. Presumably the child was already familiar with them, having witnessed their observation; he now wants to know the reason for keeping them. So the question really is: ‘Why do we keep these laws?’ The father’s explanation (vv. 21-25) is a summary of the Israelite faith:
- Israel’s deliverance from bondage in Egypt (vv. 21-22)
- Israel’s divine gift of the Promised Land (v. 23)
- the covenant obligation to obey and fear Yahweh (v. 24a)
- the associated promises of blessing and security (v. 24b)
- the assured result: a true and personal relationship with God that would express itself in the lives of his people (v. 25).