Deeper Reflection
DEUTERONOMY 6 IS PART OF MOSES’ SPEECHES GIVEN to the next generation of Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. In verses 1 to 9, Moses exhorted them to fear, obey, worship and love God alone. The people were to hear and observe all the covenantal requirements that God had given them, and to pass them on to future generations. God’s covenant with His people was to permeate family life in two dimensions. First, the knowledge of God’s covenant was to be diligently passed on to future generations (v.7a). The Shema (vv.4-5)⁵ is central in this passage and reminded the Israelites about the exclusivity of God – God’s people were to worship no one else and to love God with their whole being by being careful to obey all His commandments (vv.1-3, 6, 25). The Israelites throughout their generations were to remain devoted exclusively to the Lord their God and not be seduced by false gods. By uttering and teaching the Shema, the Israelites and their descendants repeatedly pledged to God their total allegiance, undivided devotion and full obedience. Christian parents bear the primary responsibility of diligently passing on to their children the knowledge of the new covenant of the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:21-26).Second, the knowledge of God’s covenant was to be consistently taught throughout all of family life (vv.7-9). From family devotions, mealtimes and bedtimes, to schooling, attending worship services and playing sports – everything was to be founded upon and interpreted through God’s words. God’s words were to be relevantly applied to every aspect of life and consistently shared at any given opportunity.

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⁵The Shema was traditionally recited by the Jews at least twice a day – morning and evening. To learn more about the Shema, see https://bibleproject.com/blog/what-is-the-shema/