Meaning of Deuteronomy 6:20

This verse from Deuteronomy 6:20 sets the stage for a fundamental aspect of Israelite life: the transmission of religious knowledge and covenantal obligations from one generation to the next. It anticipates a future scenario where a child, observing the detailed laws and statutes that govern their society, will inquire about their purpose and meaning. This question is not one of idle curiosity but a genuine seeking of understanding regarding the divine framework that defines their existence and relationship with God. The text presumes a context where God's commands are not merely abstract pronouncements but are actively lived out and observable, prompting such a question from a child raised within this covenantal community.

Context and Background

Deuteronomy 6 is a pivotal chapter in the book, often referred to as the Shema, which begins with the command to love the Lord one's God with all one's heart, soul, and might (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). The subsequent verses (6:6-9) instruct parents to teach these commands diligently to their children, talking about them constantly, both when at home and when away, when lying down and when rising. This verse, 6:20, immediately follows these instructions and serves as a proactive anticipation of the result of such diligent teaching: a child who is curious and engaged enough to ask for clarification. It assumes a vibrant, ongoing religious education within the family unit, where the Law is not a static relic but a living subject of discussion and inquiry. The "stipulations, decrees and laws" (Hebrew: edut, hoq, u'mishpat) encompass the full spectrum of divine legislation given at Sinai, from the Ten Commandments to more specific ordinances.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary theme is intergenerational religious instruction and the importance of understanding. The verse highlights that the transmission of faith is not a passive process but requires active engagement and explanation. It underscores the value of a child's questioning, indicating that genuine understanding is the goal, not mere rote memorization. Another key message is the covenantal nature of Israel's relationship with God. The laws are not arbitrary rules but the framework of a covenant, binding God and His people. The child's question is, therefore, an inquiry into the very basis of their identity and relationship with the divine. Finally, the verse emphasizes the practicality of faith, suggesting that God's commands are intended to be understood in their application to daily life, prompting questions about their purpose and relevance.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in the model it provides for discipleship and faith formation. It encourages parents and spiritual leaders to create an environment where questions are welcomed and answered with thoughtful explanation rooted in God's Word. For believers today, this verse calls for a deliberate and intentional approach to teaching children about God's truth, not just through instruction but also by living it out in a way that sparks curiosity. It suggests that the faith we profess should be understandable and explainable, not shrouded in mystery or inaccessible jargon. The application is to cultivate a home and community where faith is a topic of open dialogue, encouraging a deeper, more personal understanding of God's will.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This passage is integral to the Pentateuch's overarching theme of covenant renewal and continuation. Just as God established a covenant with Israel at Sinai, Deuteronomy emphasizes the need for that covenant to be understood and embraced by each successive generation. This verse anticipates the ongoing spiritual lineage that God desires for His people. It foreshadows the emphasis on teaching and discipleship found throughout the Old Testament prophets and, significantly, in the New Testament. Jesus Himself engaged in constant teaching and explanation of the Scriptures, often responding to questions from His disciples and the crowds. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) echoes this directive to make disciples by teaching them to obey all that Christ has commanded.

Analogies

One analogy for this verse is like a craftsman passing down a trade. An apprentice might observe the master craftsman at work and ask, "Why do you use this tool for this particular cut?" or "What is the purpose of this joint?" The master doesn't just say "do it"; they explain the technique, the material, and the desired outcome. Similarly, God's laws are the "craftsmanship" of a righteous life, and parents are called to explain the "why" and "how" to their children. Another analogy is that of a parent explaining the rules of a complex game to a child. The child asks, "Why can't I move this piece that way?" and the parent explains the strategy, the objective, and the fairness of the rules.

Relation to Other Verses

Deuteronomy 6:20 directly complements and is rooted in Deuteronomy 6:6-9, which mandates the constant teaching of God's commands. It finds echoes in Psalm 78:4-7, which speaks of recounting God's deeds to future generations so that they might set their hope in God and not forget His works. In the New Testament, Ephesians 6:4 instructs fathers not to exasperate their children but to bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord, a directive that necessitates explanation and engagement. Colossians 3:16 encourages letting the word of Christ dwell in believers richly, teaching and admonishing one another, which implies a need for the kind of explanatory dialogue anticipated in Deuteronomy. Jesus' own ministry, particularly His parables and His explanations of the Law to His disciples, exemplifies the spirit of this verse.