Deuteronomy 6 - Day 214

Deuteronomy 6 - Day 214 (link to reading plan)

Scripture; Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Commentary: The words of the Shema in Deut 6:4 bear witness to the experience of the living presence of God in history who created Israel as a people. When the people of ancient Israel sang the words, “Who is like you, O YHWH, among the gods?” (Exod 15:11), they knew the response. There were no other gods like YHWH! It was a relatively short step from this practical knowledge to significant theological conclusions. The word אחד in the text of the Shema speaks of “oneness” of God, for the doctrine of monotheism is implicit in this brief creedal statement.

The focus on teaching your children “these words” diligently within the context of the family—at all conceivable times and places—illustrates once again the pedagogical purpose of Deuteronomy. The content of this book was the primary curriculum in an ongoing program of religious education in ancient Israel. Phylacteries and mezuzot are essentially pedagogical tools, designed to keep the great summary statements of the “Words of YHWH” central in the experience of each individual member of the covenant community.

 Christensen, D. L. (2001). Deuteronomy 1–21:9, Revised (Vol. 6A, p. 143). Dallas: Thomas Nelson.

Application: Before the greatest commandment was the Shema.  Teach your children that God is One and that we are to love Him with all of our heart, mind and soul.

Prayer: Lord God, You alone are worthy of our worship...