The Shema: Deuteronomy 6:4-7

The Shema: Deuteronomy 6:4-7

Key Text (ESV):

Deuteronomy 6:4-7: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Historical Context and Background

The Shema (from the Hebrew word "hear," sh'ma), is one of the most significant passages in the Old Testament and a cornerstone of Jewish faith and worship. It is part of Moses' final speeches to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Deuteronomy is a retelling of the Law to a new generation of Israelites, many of whom had not witnessed God's mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt. This particular passage, Deuteronomy 6:4-7, calls Israel to an undivided devotion to the one true God, Yahweh, in contrast to the many false gods of the surrounding nations.

Time Period:

Written by Moses around 1406 BC, near the end of Israel’s 40-year journey in the wilderness. The Israelites were about to enter Canaan, a land filled with pagan practices, and Moses emphasized the need for faithfulness to God alone.

Context:

The Shema serves as a foundational creed for Israel, emphasizing monotheism—the belief in one God. This was a profound statement in a polytheistic culture where many gods were worshiped. Moses was calling Israel to a radical, all-encompassing love for God—one that includes the heart (emotions and desires), soul (the inner being), and strength (physical energy and resources).

The Shema is more than just a prayer; it’s a declaration of allegiance to God and a command to live out this devotion daily. It became a prayer that faithful Jews recite morning and evening, and it was Jesus’ response when asked about the greatest commandment (Mark 12:29-30).

Passage Analysis

Verse 4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one."

Key Theme: God’s Oneness

The Hebrew word for "hear" (sh'ma) means to listen with the intent to obey. This is not a passive hearing but an active response to God’s command. The phrase "The LORD is one" emphasizes the uniqueness and exclusivity of God. Unlike the many gods of the Canaanites, Israel was to worship only Yahweh, who alone is God.

Practical Example: In a world that tempts us with countless "gods" (money, success, fame, self-reliance), we are reminded through the Shema to listen and commit to the One true God, giving Him priority over every other influence in our lives.

Verse 5: "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might."

Key Theme: Total Devotion

This verse calls for a comprehensive love for God—one that involves every part of a person’s being. The heart represents the center of our emotions and desires. The soul represents our very life, the essence of who we are. The might refers to our physical strength and resources—everything we have. Together, this implies that our love for God must be wholehearted, with nothing held back.

Practical Example: Consider someone who prioritizes work or family over their relationship with God. The Shema challenges us to reorder our lives so that our love for God permeates every area—our time, our thoughts, our energy, and our actions.

Verse 6: "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart."

Key Theme: Internalizing God’s Word

The command to keep God’s words "on your heart" suggests more than just rote memorization—it implies meditation, reflection, and internalizing God’s truth so that it shapes your thoughts, actions, and character. The heart, in Hebrew understanding, is the seat of decision-making and emotions, meaning God’s commands should guide every aspect of life.

Practical Example: Just as we internalize the values and priorities that are most important to us, we are called to internalize God's Word. For example, rather than treating the Bible as something to read occasionally, we can meditate on God’s commands daily, allowing them to influence our decisions and how we interact with others.

Verse 7: "You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Key Theme: Passing on Faith

This verse emphasizes the importance of teaching God’s commands to the next generation. The word "diligently" suggests intentional, repeated instruction. God’s commands are not just for personal reflection but are to be shared, especially within the family. The instruction to talk about God’s Word in everyday moments—while at home, walking, waking up, and going to bed—shows that loving God is not confined to religious settings but should permeate all aspects of daily life.

Practical Example: A family might read the Bible together at dinner or share a devotional before bed. They may discuss God’s Word during casual moments—while driving to school or taking a walk. This verse encourages parents to make discipleship a natural part of family life, ensuring that children grow up knowing and loving God’s Word.

Practical Applications for Today

Prioritize God Above All Else (Verse 4): In a world filled with distractions, idols, and competing desires, commit to God alone. Reflect on the areas in your life where something or someone has taken priority over your relationship with God. Ask God to realign your heart so that He is truly first in all things.

Reference: Matthew 6:33 – "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Love God with Your Entire Being (Verse 5): Evaluate how you love God with your heart (emotions), soul (spiritual life), and strength (actions and resources). Are there areas where you are holding back? Pray that God would help you love Him with all of who you are—your thoughts, passions, and efforts.

Reference: Mark 12:30 – "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."

Internalize God’s Word (Verse 6): Make a commitment to meditate on God’s Word daily. Choose a verse or passage to memorize each week and reflect on how it applies to your life. Let His commands guide your decisions, relationships, and attitudes.

Reference: Psalm 119:11 – "I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."

Teach God’s Word to the Next Generation (Verse 7): Whether you have children or influence over younger people, make a commitment to pass on your faith. Share God’s Word in casual, everyday moments, and encourage those around you to know and love the Lord.

Reference: Proverbs 22:6 – "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Preaching and Teaching Points

God’s Oneness: Emphasize the importance of worshiping God alone in a world filled with distractions and false idols.Wholehearted Love: Call for believers to examine their love for God and to grow in devotion that involves heart, soul, and strength.Internalizing Scripture: Teach the importance of meditating on and internalizing God’s Word daily.Passing on Faith: Encourage families and church members to be intentional about teaching God’s Word to the next generation.

Summary:

The Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-7) calls believers to a life of radical love and devotion to God. It begins with the foundational truth that there is only one God, Yahweh, and that He deserves our complete and undivided love. This love must encompass our whole being—heart, soul, and might—and should be reflected in how we live our daily lives. We are to meditate on God’s commands, internalize them, and pass them on to the next generation, making God’s Word a part of every aspect of life.

Let this ancient command remind us that true faith is not merely about religious observance but a life marked by love for God and faithful discipleship in everyday moments.