Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Helpful Background Information:
The book of Deuteronomy was written by Moses around 1406 BC, making it his last written work before his passing. The book was written to the people of Israel who would be entering the promised land after they had wandered in the wilderness for forty years. Moses wrote this to encourage the Israelite people towards focusing on their covenant relationship with God.
Deuteronomy, as the final piece of Moses’ writings, set the foundations for the rest of the writings of the Old Testament. In its own way, the Pentateuch, which is the name for the first five books of the Bible, served as a kind of “Bible” and basis of belief for the Israelite people. This book also served to better identify the established covenants with God as being personal and relationship based.
Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is quoted by Jesus and referenced in Mark 12:29-30, Matthew 22:37-38, and Luke 10:27 when Jesus is asked what the first and greatest commandment is. In John’s gospel, Jesus also makes reference to Deuteronomy 6:4 in John 10:30, as Jesus claims that “I and the Father are one.”
Reflection Questions:
As the Israelite people are being told to love the Lord, they are being told to love the One who brought them out of Egypt and gave them the Law so that He could dwell with them. Similarly, Christians can look through the lens of Scripture as a whole to see God’s love for us. How can this spur you on to love the Lord deeper? How can you continue to grow in your love for the Lord?
This passage teaches the importance of remembering to love God, and His commandments and teaching those same things to younger generations. Who are you responsible to teach these things to? If you are not a parent, who can you mentor in a similar way?
In verses 8-9, the Israelite people are told to give themselves reminders of what God revealed to them. How can you be consistently reminding yourself of the truth of the Gospel? How can you keep a record of what God has done for you personally?