Deuteronomy 6

Chapter Summary

Deuteronomy 6 begins with Moses reminding the Israelites of the importance of obeying God's commands, so that they may live and multiply in the land (Deuteronomy 6:1-3). The chapter then focuses on the Shema, a central confession of faith in Judaism, which declares that the Lord is one and that Israel should love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Moses also provides guidance on how to teach children about God's laws, emphasizing the need to discuss them at all times and in all places (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). The chapter concludes with a warning against forgetting God when they become prosperous in the land, and it reminds them of the importance of fearing and serving God alone (Deuteronomy 6:10-25). Throughout the chapter, Moses emphasizes the need for Israel to remember God's works and to obey His commands, in order to maintain their covenant relationship with Him.

Context for the Chapter

Deuteronomy 6 is part of the larger narrative of Deuteronomy, in which Moses delivers a series of sermons to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The chapter serves as a reminder of God's commands and of the importance of obeying Him, and it provides guidance on how to live as God's people in the land. The chapter also looks back to the events of the Exodus and the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, and it looks forward to the future, when Israel will inherit the land and live under God's covenant. In the larger biblical narrative, Deuteronomy 6 is connected to other passages that emphasize the importance of loving and obeying God, such as Matthew 22:37 and Mark 12:30.

Heart Application

This chapter applies to our lives today by reminding us of the importance of loving and obeying God with all our heart, soul, and might. It emphasizes the need for a deep and personal relationship with God, and it highlights the importance of a wholehearted commitment to Him. As we reflect on this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and to ask whether we are truly loving and obeying God in every aspect of our lives.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Deuteronomy 6 is about loving and obeying God with all our heart, soul, and might. It reminds us to teach our children about God's laws and to remember His works in our lives. The chapter also warns us against forgetting God when we become prosperous, and it emphasizes the importance of fearing and serving Him alone. As we reflect on this chapter, we are called to examine our own hearts and to ask whether we are truly loving and obeying God in every aspect of our lives, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Deuteronomy 6:10.

Voices from the Church

“The love of God is the first and greatest commandment, and it is the source of all other commandments. When we love God with all our heart, soul, and might, we are motivated to obey Him and to live according to His will.”

— John Calvin

“The command to love God with all our heart, soul, and might is not a burden, but a blessing. When we love God in this way, we experience the fullness of joy and the richness of His presence in our lives.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Chapter (Deuteronomy 6:1-3) — Moses introduces the chapter by reminding the Israelites of the importance of obeying God's commands, so that they may live and multiply in the land.
2. The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) — The chapter focuses on the Shema, a central confession of faith in Judaism, which declares that the Lord is one and that Israel should love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength.
3. Teaching Children about God's Laws (Deuteronomy 6:6-9) — Moses provides guidance on how to teach children about God's laws, emphasizing the need to discuss them at all times and in all places.
4. A Warning against Forgetting God (Deuteronomy 6:10-19) — The chapter concludes with a warning against forgetting God when they become prosperous in the land, and it reminds them of the importance of fearing and serving God alone.
5. Conclusion (Deuteronomy 6:20-25) — Moses concludes the chapter by reminding the Israelites of the importance of remembering God's works and of obeying His commands, in order to maintain their covenant relationship with Him.

Core Doctrines

The Love of God

This chapter teaches that the love of God is the first and greatest commandment, and that it is the source of all other commandments. When we love God with all our heart, soul, and might, we are motivated to obey Him and to live according to His will.

The Importance of Obedience

The chapter emphasizes the need for wholehearted obedience to God's commands, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of a deep and personal relationship with Him.

The Role of Parents in Teaching Children

The chapter highlights the importance of parents teaching their children about God's laws, and it emphasizes the need for parents to take an active role in passing on their faith to the next generation.

The Dangers of Prosperity

The chapter warns against the dangers of prosperity, which can lead to forgetting God and to a lack of obedience to His commands.

Lessons from Deuteronomy 6

1. The Importance of Loving God — This chapter teaches us that loving God is the first and greatest commandment, and that it is the source of all other commandments. When we love God with all our heart, soul, and might, we are motivated to obey Him and to live according to His will.
2. The Need for Wholehearted Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the need for wholehearted obedience to God's commands, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of a deep and personal relationship with Him.
3. The Role of Parents in Teaching Children — The chapter highlights the importance of parents teaching their children about God's laws, and it emphasizes the need for parents to take an active role in passing on their faith to the next generation.
4. The Dangers of Prosperity — The chapter warns against the dangers of prosperity, which can lead to forgetting God and to a lack of obedience to His commands.
5. The Importance of Remembering God's Works — The chapter emphasizes the need to remember God's works in our lives, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of reflecting on God's actions in history and of responding to Him in faith and obedience.

Themes from Deuteronomy 6

1. The Love of God — This chapter teaches that the love of God is the first and greatest commandment, and that it is the source of all other commandments. When we love God with all our heart, soul, and might, we are motivated to obey Him and to live according to His will.
2. Obedience to God's Commands — The chapter emphasizes the need for wholehearted obedience to God's commands, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of a deep and personal relationship with Him.
3. The Importance of Teaching Children — The chapter highlights the importance of parents teaching their children about God's laws, and it emphasizes the need for parents to take an active role in passing on their faith to the next generation.
4. The Dangers of Prosperity — The chapter warns against the dangers of prosperity, which can lead to forgetting God and to a lack of obedience to His commands.
5. The Importance of Remembering God's Works — The chapter emphasizes the need to remember God's works in our lives, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of reflecting on God's actions in history and of responding to Him in faith and obedience.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does it mean to love God with all our heart, soul, and might, and how can we demonstrate this love in our daily lives?
2. How can we teach our children about God's laws, and what role should parents play in passing on their faith to the next generation?
3. What are some ways in which we can remember God's works in our lives, and how can we use these memories to encourage ourselves and others to obey God's commands?
4. What are some dangers of prosperity, and how can we guard against forgetting God when we experience success or wealth?
5. How can we balance the need to obey God's commands with the need to love and trust Him, and what role should faith play in our relationship with God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Deuteronomy 6

	Sermon	Description
	Your Reasonable Service by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and achievements of Blaise Pascal, whom he considers the greatest intellectual in world history. He highlights Pascal's early mathema
	Whats Wrong With the Gospel - Part 3 by Keith Green	In the video, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prioritizing plants and nature. He mentions that living in mansions and exceeding regular limits is not allowed, and encoura
	Ark of the Covenant - Part 1 by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samuel and the Israelites' battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were defeated, and the elders of Israel questioned why
	Children by Charles Stanley	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that while parents have a responsibility to teach and guide their children in their faith, ultimately each child must develop their own belie
	The Children of Caesar by Voddie Baucham	This sermon addresses the alarming trend of Christian children losing their spiritual foundation while being educated by the government, leading to a disconnect from spiritual matt
	(Biblical Family) Child Training by Voddie Baucham	In this video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of training and teaching others to preach the word of God effectively. He encourages a hands-on approach, where the speaker act
	Cost of Discipleship - Part 9 by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downfall of the people at Frining Eye, who had initially experienced God's holiness and protection. However, within just three generations
	Desiring God by Francis Chan	This sermon emphasizes the importance of loving and desiring a personal relationship with God above all else. It highlights the need to go beyond knowing about God to truly knowing
	When Jesus Lays His Hands on You by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher expresses his desire for God to raise up young men and women in the congregation to become missionaries, pastors, and evangelists. He emphasizes the im
	To Love the Word of God (Part 1) by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of basing our lives and actions on the unchanging word of God rather than the ever-changing trends of society. He highlights

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Deuteronomy 6

In this chapter, Moses delivers a solemn charge to the Israelites, reminding them of the importance of obeying God's commands and of loving Him with all their heart, soul, and might. The Shema, which declares that the Lord is one and that Israel should love Him with all their heart, soul, and strength, is a central confession of faith in Judaism. Moses also provides guidance on how to teach children about God's laws, emphasizing the need to discuss them at all times and in all places. The chapter concludes with a warning against forgetting God when they become prosperous in the land, and it reminds them of the importance of fearing and serving God alone. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of loving and obeying God, and of the need to pass on our faith to the next generation. We are also warned against the dangers of prosperity, which can lead to forgetting God and to a lack of obedience to His commands. By remembering God's works and obeying His commands, we can maintain our covenant relationship with Him and experience the fullness of His blessings in our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?