Chapter 6 is a continuation of chapter 5. Moses informs the people that God told him to teach these commands, laws, and regulations to them so they will obey them in their new land, and as a result, live and enjoy a long life.
Moses said to the people of Israel, “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are away on a journey, when you are lying down and when you are getting up again. Tie them to our hands as a reminder and wear them on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
Moses continues, indicating that the Lord will soon bring them into their new land that He promised to give to their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He talked about the land being filled with large, prosperous cities, houses with richly stocked goods (none of which they had to build or produce), and vineyards and olive trees they did not plant. He then says, “When you have eaten your fill in this land, be careful not to forget the Lord, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 6:11-12)
Moses is saying in the text above, not to forget how good God has been to you. You are eating and living well! You have all of these large cities and homes that you didn’t have to build, and crops and vineyards that you didn’t have to plant, but you used to be enslaved! Moses is saying...God has blessed you abundantly and never forget that!
How good has God been to us? You already know!!!
Moses ends the chapter with a question from children. “In the future your children will ask you, “What is the meaning of these stipulations, laws, and regulations that the Lord our God has given us?” Then you must tell them, “We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with amazing power. Before our eyes the Lord did miraculous signs and wonders, dealing terrifying blows against Egypt and Pharaoh and all his people. He brought us out of Egypt so he could give us this land he had solemnly promised to give our ancestors. And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these laws and to fear him for our own prosperity and well-being, as is now the case. For we are righteous when we obey all the commands the Lord our God has given us.” (Deuteronomy 6:20-25)
Lord, thank you for your Word today! Help us to never forget what you continually do for us! You bless us daily, several times per day, so help us recognize and glorify you just as often. We love you!
“May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)
….AND MAY WE ALL PRACTICE THIS WITH ONE ANOTHER.
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