Deuteronomy 6 - Introduction

The Fundamental Principles of the Law: God's Nature and Israel's Duty

Moses continues his discourse: After stating that he has now to give Israel the Charge (Miṣwah) given to him in Ḥoreb, and statutes and judgements for observance in the promised land (Deuteronomy 6:1); Moses explains the motives for these: the fear of God and the benefits to be derived from observing them (Deuteronomy 6:2 f.). Follows the solemn enunciation of the basal principle, the oneness of Jehovah, and Israel's basal duty: undivided love to Him (Deuteronomy 6:4 f.). Therefore these words which he is about to give must ever be in the people's heart and mind and be diligently taught, to their children (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Especially must Israel not yield to that temptation to forget Jehovah, to which the people will be exposed among the material blessings of the land whither He brings it (Deuteronomy 6:10-12); nor go after the gods of that land; else He will destroy Israel (Deuteronomy 6:13-15). Israel must not try Him as at Massah, but diligently keep His laws, in order that it may be well with them, and entering the land they may possess it and see their enemies thrust out before them (Deuteronomy 6:16-19). When in future the children ask the meaning of these laws, their origin must be explained as the great deliverance from Egypt. Then was the nation born; by these laws it lives. Then Jehovah revealed His grace; these are to establish the fear of Him upon His people (Deuteronomy 6:20-25).

The construction of the ch. starts difficult questions as to its unity: for the same puzzling phenomena meet us here as elsewhere the double forms of address Sg. and Pl., with the rapid transitions between them, and the accumulation of the usual deuteronomic formulas. Do the former indicate two sources? Or do both prove that editorial hands have expanded the discourse? On the possible answers see the notes.