(10-13) The song of Moses supplies a prophetic comment upon this in Deuteronomy 32:15 : “Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked . . . then he forsook God.” “In all time of our wealth, good Lord, deliver us.” read more
(13) Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him.—Literally, Jehovah thy God thou shalt fear, and him shalt thou serve: i.e., Him only, as translated by the LXX., and cited by our Lord in His temptation. It is remarkable that all His answers to the tempter were taken not only from Deuteronomy, but from one and the same portion of Deuteronomy—Deuteronomy 5-10 inclusive—the portion which applies the principles of the Decalogue to Israel’s life.And shalt swear by his name.—Comp. Exodus 23:13.... read more
The Message of the Book of Deuteronomy Deuteronomy 6:4 The book which lies before us is, in many ways, the most interesting and impressive of the Pentateuch. The message that this book brings us, coming as it does after the book of Numbers, is a most essential one. Numbers told us of the arrest in the deliverance of the nation; of the thirty-seven years of wandering sent as the punishment of unbelief. But it told us also how the people were brought back to obedience, and were made ready to go... read more
EDUCATION-MOSAIC VIEWDeuteronomy 6:6-25THOSE great verses, Deuteronomy 6:4-5, form the central truth of the book. Everything else in it proceeds from and is informed by them, and they are dwelt upon and enforced with a clear perception of their radical importance. There is something of the joy of discovery in the way in which the unity of Yahweh and exclusive love to Him are insisted upon, not only in Deuteronomy 6:6-25 of this chapter, but in Deuteronomy 11:13-20. The same strongly worded... read more
2. The First Commandment and What It Involves CHAPTER 6 1. Hear, therefore, O Israel! (Deuteronomy 6:1-3 ) 2. The first commandment (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 ) 3. The remembrance of these words and practical obedience (Deuteronomy 6:6-25 ) “Hear, O Israel! The LORD our God is one LORD.” Much has been made of this verse by orthodox Jews, who reverence it greatly. They call it the “Shema” after the first word “Hear.” It is often used by Jews and Unitarians to deny the three persons of the... read more
6:13 Thou shalt fear the LORD thy God, and serve him, and shalt {f} swear by his name.(f) We must fear God, serve him only and confess his Name, which is done by swearing lawfully. read more
THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT (vs.1-9) The ten commandments have been reaffirmed in chapter 5; now Moses emphasizes and enlarges upon the significance of the four commandments, which we have seen deal with Israel's relationship to God. He introduces this in verses 1-3 by again pressing on Israel the importance of obedience. This would prolong their days in the land and that would thus multiply greatly in accordance with the Lord's promise as to their land flowing with milk and honey. Moses... read more
REVIEW OF THE LAWS THE LESSONS OF SINAI (Deuteronomy 4:0 ) What makes a nation wise and understanding (Deuteronomy 4:6 )? What makes a nation great (Deuteronomy 4:7-8 )? What obligation does one generation owe the next (Deuteronomy 4:9 )? Of all the divine commandments, which are the most important (Deuteronomy 4:10-13 )? Of these ten, which one is particularly emphasized (Deuteronomy 4:15-28 )? How is God’s merciful character illustrated in one connection with these commandments... read more
Principles and Duties Deu 6:1-12 A wonderful change has taken place in the tone of Moses. We can tell by his very voice that he is much older than when we first knew him, and much tenderer. When we first heard his voice, we noted how singularly wanting it was in mellowness, sympathy, kindliness, such as sore and wounded hearts may recognise and bless. Throughout the Book of Exodus the tone of Moses was very high, penetrating, and commanding. Then a change took place in the whole manner of the... read more
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John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Deuteronomy 6:1-25
Practical ExhortationsTo the repetition of the Decalogue Moses adds in the following chapters a practical exhortation to obedience founded on the special relation of Jehovah to Israel as their Redeemer (6-11). Deuteronomy 6 particularly insists upon the remembrance of God’s statutes and the training of the children in them.4, 5. Our Lord calls these words ’the first and great commandment.’ They express the highest truth and duty revealed to the Hebrew nation: the truth of God’s unity and... read more