Deuteronomy 6
-This is a pinnacle chapter in the exhortation by God
through Moses to the sons of Israel, with significance for all of us, right
before they go in to possess the land sworn to them by the LORD (Deuteronomy 6:10).
This passage is often referred to as the Shema
(Hebrew for “hear”). But hearing was not the only thing these children were
supposed to do. It is very clear from the text that they were “to do” all that
the LORD commanded here in this book (Deuteronomy 6:1-3, 18, 24-25). Their LORD
God was One (denoting complete unity in the Trinity), and was to be loved
exclusively above everything else (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). These statutes and judgments
were designed to be on their “heart” and taught “diligently” to the next
generation in all of life’s course (Deuteronomy 6:5-9).
-God makes His point by relating to them they it is He who
rescued them from slavery in Egypt when they had no hope, and it is only by His
grace that they will accomplish the fantastic things that they are about to
accomplish. He is their Provider and Sustainer. They will have “great and
splendid cities which you did not build,” “houses full of all good things which
you did not fill,” “hewn cisterns (water supply) which you did not dig,” “vineyards
and olive trees which you did not plant.” They are guaranteed to “eat” and be “satisfied
(Deuteronomy 6:10-12).” They were taught to fear only the LORD their God worshipping
and swearing only by His Name and none other. Following other gods from the
people that surrounded them would shorten their stay in the land for “the LORD
your God in the midst of you is a jealous God.” They were guaranteed the
opposite if they disobeyed….they would be wiped off the face of the earth by
the LORD (Deuteronomy 6:13-15). They were not to test Him, as they did at
Massah (Exodus 17:1-7), but diligently keep His commandments, testimonies, and
statutes. They were to do what was “right and good” in the sight of the LORD,
their covenant God, so that it would go well for them in the land that their
King had given them out of His kindness (Deuteronomy 6:16-18). They were to be
purposeful in driving out all their enemies from before them as the LORD had
spoken (Deuteronomy 6:19). Reason? God foresaw the temptation and debauchery
that these wicked people would bring upon the sons of Israel through the times
of the judges, kings, exile, and even unto our modern tense situation in the
Middle East.
-Then, God anticipated the questions from generations to
come in this chapter dedicated to the preservation of their culture and Godly
heritage. When the sons would ask what these testimonies, statutes, and
judgments mean which the LORD commanded them, they were to relate to them the
exodus journey in which the LORD delivered them from Egypt with His mighty Hand
showing “great and distressing signs and wonders” before their eyes against
their captors. God brought them “out from there” in order to bring them “in,”
to give them the land which He has sworn to their fathers in previous
generations. So, for their “survival” and their “good always,” God ordained His
righteous regulations expecting complete obedience (Deuteronomy 6:20-25).
-*Application* Pouring into the next generation is an honor
and a privilege as we can see from this chapter. Leaving a Godly legacy is the
greatest contribution you can make to the future of society and culture. Our
lives will quickly pass, and only what we give to the future becomes paramount.
Live for God while on this earth. Don’t be filled by greed or self-absorption
that leaves no gift for the children and their children. Be responsible and do
what is right in the sight of God for those who are coming after you. God will
bless your efforts when you take that approach.
Verses to Memorize:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
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