Deuteronomy 6.1-9 “The Greatest Command”
Background of Deuteronomy:
Author/Recipients/Setting
These are the words
which Moses spoke
to all Israel
on this side of the Jordan in the wilderness…
Deut. 1
We have to make special note of the setting as we make application to the Church in the 21st Century.
There are principles about the character of God and His relationship with people, but we must be careful to filter out some specific applications to the nation, Israel, which God had chosen from among all the nations of the earth.
Ways to look at Deuteronomy
1. Literary – 3 sermons
1-4 Historical Prologue
5-28 Body
General Principles (5-11)
Specific Rules (11-26)
Blessings and Cursings (27-28)
29-30 Epilogue
31-33 Moses’s last acts.
2. Political – a treaty
3. Theological – the relation of faith and obedience/love
Deuteronomy is of mixed and varied genre… —Eugene H. Merrill
Themes in Deuteronomy
1. “LORD your God” – The covenant relationship.
2. The “Shema” – Our loyalty and devotion to the only God.
3. The “decalogue” - How the statutes relate to 10 commands.
3. Today’s sermon:
BIG IDEA:
God wants us to be thoroughly saturated in who He is.
Outline:
1. Purpose of the Command (1-3)
2. Content of the Command (4-5)
3. Reach of the Command (6-9)
I. Purpose of the Command
1 "Now this is the commandment, and these are the statutes and judgments which the Lord your God has commanded to teach you,
that you may observe them in the land which you are crossing over to possess,
2 that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and
that your days may be prolonged.
3 Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you--'a land flowing with milk and honey.'
1.
Commandment Strong's H4687 - mitsvah mits·vä' commandment (from tsavah; to give orders)
Singular in Hebrew, plural in kjv, niv, & nlt
Statutes Strong's H2706 - choq khōke statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due niv, nlt—decrees
Judgments Srong'sH4941-mishpat mish·pät' judgment, justice, ordinance (from shaphat: to judge (decide), punish) ylt, kjv, nasb, nkjv—judgments; esv—rules; niv—laws; nlt—regulations
Commanded Strong's H6680 - tsavah tsä·vä' to command, charge, give orders niv—directed
teach Strong's H3925 - lamad lä·mad' to teach
observe Strong's H6213 - `asah ä·sä' Qal-to do, work, make, produce ylt, kjv, nasb, esv—do;
nkjv, niv—observe; nlt—obey
possess Strong's H3423 - yarash yä·rash' Qal—to take possession of
A. That you may Observe
1. The Law -“statutes and judgments”
Commandment is singular and refers to the whole body of the Law or the charge that Moses was giving Israel.
“statutes” - ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due niv, nlt—decrees
“judgments” - from shaphat: to judge (decide), punish esv—rules; niv—laws; nlt—regulations
2. The Relationship “LORD your God”
This name for God occurs about 140 in the KJV. 1/3 of them are in Deuteronomy. It emphasizes the covenant relationship and bond and relationship God had with Israel.
It was based on his Redemption of them and their acceptance at Mt. Sinai.
This is also reinforced by the reference to the land that God was about to give them.
Ill.– Why do I have to? “Because I’m your Mom, that’s why.”
3. The Action “observe”
The emphasis is on action, on consistent, faithful practice. It is a way to show...
B. That you may Fear the Lord
2 that you may fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments which I command you, you and your son and your grandson, all the days of your life, and
2.
fear Strong's H3372 - yare' yä·rā' to fear, revere, be afraid
commandments Strong's H4687 - mitsvah mits·vä' commandment (from tsavah; to give orders)
Son, grandson Strong's H1121 - ben bān son, grandson, child, member of a group
1. Definition: “The fear of the Lord is the awareness that God is watching, weighing, and rewarding everything I do, say, and think.”
2. Fear Ill.—the fear of electricity
3. The practical nature of the fear is being emphasized here. It was defined more by the actions and practices that an emotional response.
4. It was so important that it was vital to instill it in descendants (not just children).
Ex. The difference between picking a flower and running into the street.
C. That you may be blessed
that your days may be prolonged.
3 Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to observe it, that it may be well with you, and that you may multiply greatly as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you--'a land flowing with milk and honey.'
2.
prolonged Strong's H748 - 'arak ä·rak' to grow long, continue long
3.
Hear Strong's H8085 - shama` shä·mah' Qal-to hear, listen to, obey nasb—listen; nlt—listen closely
carefully observe
Strong's H8104 - shamar shä·mar' to keep, guard, observe, give heed
Strong's H6213 - `asah ä·sä' Qal-to do, work, make, produce
ylt, kjv—observe to do; nkjv—careful to observe; nasb, esv—careful to do; niv, ntl—careful to obey
well Srong's H3190 - yatab yä·tav' Qal—to be good, joyful
multiply greatly Strong's H7235 - rabah rä·vä' be or become great, be or become many
1. Days Prolonged Two ideas are in mind hear
That the nation Israel would prosper in the land for a long, long time. The keeping of the law would insure the nation would have a long, prosperous future.
There is an individual component alluded to in
Ephesians 6.1
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother,"which is the first commandment with promise: 3 "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."
2. multiply greatly…
The wording can refer both to
numbers and
importance.
3. milk and honey
An expression of the day
A contrast to Egypt were manual/mechanical irrigation was required.
APPLICATION:
Action is required.
This was not just theoretical as the chapters of specific actions commanded demonstrate.
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only,deceiving yourselves. James 1:22
II. Content of the Command
4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
4.
Hear Strong's H8085 - shama` shä·mah' Qal-to hear, listen to, obey nasb—listen; nlt—listen closely
Lord Strong's H3068 - Yĕhovah yeh·hō·vä' Jehovah = "the existing One" 1) the proper name of the one true God ( unpronounced)
God Strong's H430 - 'elohiym el·ō·hēm' 1. Plural in number) rulers judges, angels, gods 2. (Plural intensive) God Plural of 'elowahh
One Strong's H259 - 'echad ekh·äd' 1. one (number) 2. only 3. first
ylt, jkv—Jehovah (Lord) our God is one Jehovah (Lord)
nasb, nkjv, esv, niv—The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
nlt—The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.
5.
Love Strong's H157 - 'ahab ä·hav' 1) human love for another, and sexual 2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, 3) human love for or to God
heart Strong's H3824 - lebab lā·väv' inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
soul Strong's H5315 - nephesh neh'·fesh soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
strength Strong's H3966 - m@`od meh·ōde' strength, force
There are two parts to this. The first tells us what to believe about God, and the second tells us what to do about it.
A. Hear (What to believe—faith)
4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!
Hear Strong's H8085 - shama` shä·mah' (shu may’ ah) Qal-to hear, listen to, obey nasb—listen; nlt—listen closely
This word has a strong implication of a listening obedience. “...is tantamount to ‘to obey,’ especially in covenant contexts like this.” —Eugene H. Merrill
As in Deuteronomy 5.1
1 And Moses called all Israel, and said to them: "Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your hearing today, that you may learn them and be careful to observe them.
1. Teaches His Relational Nature
“your God” speaks to the relationship
Deuteronomy 5.6
'I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
If he was nothing else he was their God. They belonged to Him.
2. “Lord” - Teaches His Singular and self-existent
4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!
Jehovah/Yahweh means “I Am” in a sense that is timeless and defies the constraints of a verb tense. (As we see in John 8.57-58)
It highlights that He is the eternal “uncaused cause” and the faithful covenant keeping God.
Isaiah 40
18 To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him?
25 "To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?" says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high, And see who has created these things, Who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, By the greatness of His might And the strength of His power; Not one is missing.
Deuteronomy 4.35
34 Or did God ever try to go and take for Himself a nation from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, by wonders, by war, by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, and by great terrors, according to all that the Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? 35 To you (Israel) it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him.
Yahweh is not the brand name of a cosmic corporation. He is one God, our God, and Yahweh is his personal name. On this understanding, the emphasis lies on Yahweh’s singularity.” —Christopher Wright
3. “one” - Teaches His Unique Oness
4 "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!
Zechariah 14.9
8 And in that day it shall be That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, Half of them toward the eastern sea And half of them toward the western sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur.
9 And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be--
"The Lord is one,"
And His name one.
“He was not merely first among the gods, as Baal in the Canaanite pantheon, Amon-Re in Egypt, or Markuk in Babylon; he was the one and only God and as such he was omnipotent.” —Peter C. Creagie
Exodus 15.11
11"Who is like You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?
This foundational statement of what we believe is connected immediately in this passage with the practical effect that it should have on us.
B. What to do (Thou shalt…)
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
5.
Love Strong's H157 - 'ahab ä·hav' 1) human love for another, and sexual 2) human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, 3) human love for or to God
heart Strong's H3824 - lebab lā·väv' inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding
soul Strong's H5315 - nephesh neh'·fesh soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion
strength Strong's H3966 - m@`od meh·ōde' strength, force
God should be...
1. The singular object of our devotion.
What does it mean here to love God?
“The simple fact that Deuteronomy’s love is one that can be commanded shows that it is not merely an emotion. It is also a commitment to Yahweh, which generates corresponding action in line with this word.” —Christopher Wright
John 14.15
"If you love Me, keep My commandments.
Note how this thought is worded in...
Deuteronomy 10
12 "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes which I command you today for your good?
We have the example of King Josiah.
2 Kings 23 At 18 years old Josiah started a restoration of the Temple (Chapter 23)
21 Then the king commanded all the people, saying, "Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in this Book of the Covenant." 22 Such a Passover surely had never been held since the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel and the kings of Judah. 23 But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was held before the Lord in Jerusalem. 24 Moreover Josiah put away those who consulted mediums and spiritists, the household gods and idols, all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might perform the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the Lord. 25 Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him.
2. The object of all our devotion.
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
The heart was regarded as the seat of the mind and will as well as of a wide range of emotions.
The term soul is difficult to define, but it seems to refer to the source of life and vitality, or even of one’s ‘being.’ In Genesis 2:7 and 19 man and animals are described described as living ‘beings.” —J. A. Thompson
The lack of uniformity in the “formula” would indicate that we should not make to much of the specific words that are used.
Matthew 22
35 Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" 37 Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'
Mark 12
28 Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?"
29 Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. 31 And the second, like it, is this: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."
32 So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
Luke 10
25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?"
27 So he answered and said, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself.' "
28 And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live."
29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
Deuteronomy 30.6
And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
APPLICATION:
How many gods are you trying to serve?
"No one can serve two masters…
for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Matthew 6:24
III. Reach of the Command
6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
6.
Words Strong's H1697 - dabar dä·vä' speech, word, speaking not niv,or nlt giving commands instead of words which I command
command Strong's H6680 - tsavah tsä·vä' to command, charge, give orders niv—give; nlt—am giving
7.
Teach diligently Strong's H8150 - shanan shä·nan' lit. to sharpen, whet, fig. teach niv—impress them on; nlt—repeat them again and again
Children Strong's H1121 - ben bān son, grandson, child, member of a group
Talk
Sit Strong's H3427 - yashab yä·shav' 1. sit down 2. dwell, inhabit
8.
Bind Strong's H7194 - qashar kä·shar' to bind literally or mentally to league together, conspire
Sign Strong's H226 - 'owth ōth lit. a military ensign gen. a distinguishing mark
Frontlets Strong's H2903 - towphaphah tō·fä·fä' phylacteries (From an unused root meaning to go around or bind)
ylt, kjv, nkjv, esv—between your eyes;
nasb, niv, nlt—on your forhead(s)
And these words which I command
This is a reference to the whole of the law. He had already review the 10 commeandments in chapter five and would spend the next 20+ chapters detailing specifics.
shall be in your heart.
Remember that the Hebrew concept of the ‘heart” included that mind and the will.
This meant that they should be thinking about them and acting on them all the time.
A. To the generations (7)
7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.
The image is that of the engraver of a monument who taks hammer and chisel in hand and with painstaking care etches a text into the face of a solid slab of granite. —Eugene H. Merrill
1. Who? Your descendants
The word used for children is one that would include children and grandchildren.
Mom Martin: “I will know how I did with my children did by how my grandchildren turn out.”
2. Where? Everywhere
...in your house
...by the way
3. When? All the time.
...when you lie down
...when you rise up
It is interesting that there is no mention of a formal “family devotions” type activity. Of course Sunday school and AWANA would not have been forseen.
We should take from that omission here not that a family devotion time, Sunday school, and AWANA are not important or desirable, but that they are not enough.
If the only time “the Bible comes out” is at church and a family devotion time, it is not enough.
A Christian faith that is relegated only to church and formal instruction is hard to pass on to your children.
B. To all your life(8-9)
8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
Similar language in…
Proverbs 6.20-22
20 My son, keep your father’s command,
And do not forsake the law of your mother.
21 Bind them continually upon your heart;
Tie them around your neck.
22 When you roam, they will lead you;
When you sleep, they will keep you;
And when you awake, they will speak with you.
23 For the commandment is a lamp,
And the law a light;
Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,
24 To keep you from the evil ...
1. What you do.
...a sign on your hand
2. What you think.
...frontlets between your eyes.
3. Life in your home.
...the doorposts of your house
4. Life in the community.
...on your gates.
Gates Strong’s # 8179 Sha`ar shah'-ar gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) city, town
This is a term often used for the gates to the city where legal business was conducted.
APPLICATION:
What is your core operating principle?
“And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
Colossians 3:17
BIG IDEA
God wants us to be thoroughly saturated with who He is.
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The IVP Biblical Background Commentary
Earl S. Kalland in The Expositor’s Bible Commentary Vol. 3
Peter C. Craigie in The Book of Deuteronomy (The New International Commentary of the Old Testament)
Christopher Wright in Deuteronomy (New International Biblical Commentary)
J. A . Thompson in Deuteronomy: An Introduction and Commentary ( Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries)
Eugene H. Merrill in Deuteronomy (The New American Commentary: An Exegetical the Theological Exposition of Holy Scripture)
Patrick Miller in Deuteronomy (Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching)
Jack E. Deere in The Bible Knowledge Commentary
D. A. Carson in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition
Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged
NET Bible translation notes
