READ DEUTERONOMY 6
GO DEEPER
In Deuteronomy, we have so far reviewed the Israelites' history, witnessed a renewal of the covenant with God, and anticipated the fulfillment of the land promise to Abraham's descendants from Genesis 12. Moses is now summarizing the Law and discussing the relational conditions for inheriting the Promised Land. Chapter 5 revisits the 10 commandments, urging obedience (5:33). The Mosaic Covenant was based on adherence—either obedience leading to prosperity or disobedience resulting in destruction. Their destiny relied on their loyalty, which meant following God's decrees. The Israelites were instructed to prioritize loving God above all else, encapsulated in the Shema, a pivotal Hebrew passage meaning "listen." The Shema held immense significance for the Israelites, serving as a focal point in worship for generations and remaining a key element in Jewish synagogue practices today.
The Shema, found in verses 4-9 of the Bible, is a widely known prayer. It commences with the words "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one." Moses urges the Israelites to pay attention and comply with what they hear, emphasizing the oneness of the Lord. This notion of God's unity is crucial as it starkly contrasts with the polytheistic beliefs of the surrounding cultures that the Israelites encountered. In the Canaanite region, people worshipped multiple gods and goddesses. The concept of monotheism distinguished Israel in ancient times, as they worshipped the one true God instead of succumbing to the false deities of the era. Despite being one, God also exists as a trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Israel was called to adhere to the one true God as they journeyed into the Promised Land.
The prayer underscores the significance of loving the Lord God wholeheartedly, with all your soul and strength, and maintaining His commandments near your heart. God wants us to love Him with all we are and to show that love in all we do. For the people of Israel, loving God meant following His instructions. Jesus reaffirms this in Mark 12:28-30 when questioned about the greatest commandment. He asserts that loving God with all one's heart, soul, and strength and loving one's neighbor as oneself are paramount. The Shema also emphasizes the need to diligently teach God's instructions to our children, discussing them at home, on the go, and at bedtime and waking up. To effectively impart God's teachings to our children, we must first cherish the word in our own hearts.
The prayer concludes with the instruction to "bind them as a sign on your hand and between your eyes, write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." Jewish practice involves placing a mezuzah, a small parchment containing Scripture, on the doorpost. Some Jewish customs involve wearing phylacteries, small leather boxes that house the Law of Moses, on the wrist and head. Today, embodying God's Word means constantly remembering and meditating on it. Our hearts and minds should be filled with God's Word as we go about our daily lives, showing our love for the Lord by cherishing and holding onto His Word.
QUESTIONS
1.
Is your strongest driving force in life the love of God?
2. How do you embody God's teachings in your life? Could you commit a verse or passage to memory today?
3. Spend some time contemplating the Shema today. Meditate on how the Lord has guided you and remained loyal to you.