Introduction

Deuteronomy 6:1–9: In today’s reading, Moses tells the people that the Lord wants them to obey his rules once they have entered the Promised Land. He urges them to listen and obey, that they may become a strong nation. Then he shares the central commandment (verse 5), later underscored by Jesus: to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength (see Matthew 22:37–40).

Today’s Key Verse: Deuteronomy 6:7 GNT

[Moses said:] “Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working.”

Read

6 “These are all the laws that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. Obey them in the land that you are about to enter and occupy. 2 As long as you live, you and your descendants are to honor the Lord your God and obey all his laws that I am giving you, so that you may live in that land a long time. 3 Listen to them, people of Israel, and obey them! Then all will go well with you, and you will become a mighty nation and live in that rich and fertile land, just as the Lord, the God of our ancestors, has promised.

4 “Israel, remember this! The Lord—and the Lord alone—is our God. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 Never forget these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Teach them to your children. Repeat them when you are at home and when you are away, when you are resting and when you are working. 8 Tie them on your arms and wear them on your foreheads as a reminder. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your houses and on your gates.

Reflect

What does Moses tell the people to do? Why must they write and discuss the laws repeatedly? How might this kind of discipline impact their understanding and practice of the law? How might this discipline be helpful in your daily life?

Pray

Lord, I seek to know you more deeply day by day. Help me keep your word at the front of my mind that I may deepen my faith and share it with others. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Deuteronomy 7:1–11: The people belong to the Lord.