Meaning of Deuteronomy 6:5

Deuteronomy 6:5, famously known as the Shema, is the foundational commandment of love for God in the Old Testament, serving as a central tenet of Jewish faith and practice. This verse is not merely a suggestion but a profound directive, urging the Israelites, and by extension all who follow, to dedicate their entire being to the Lord. The Hebrew terms used—levav (heart), nefesh (soul), and me'od (strength)—represent the totality of a person's existence: their innermost thoughts and emotions, their life force and will, and their physical capabilities and resources. This is not a compartmentalized devotion, but an all-encompassing commitment that permeates every aspect of life, demanding an undivided allegiance to God.

Context and Background

This commandment is given by Moses to the Israelites as they stand on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Deuteronomy, meaning "second law," is Moses' final address, reiterating and expounding upon the covenant God made with Israel at Sinai. The Shema, introduced by the preceding verse (6:4) which declares the oneness of God ("Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one"), sets the stage for how Israel is to live in relationship with this singular, sovereign God. It is a response to God's faithfulness and a condition for continued blessing and prosperity in the land He is giving them.

Key Themes and Messages

The core message is unconditional and holistic love for God. This love is not to be a superficial emotion but a deeply ingrained disposition that influences all actions and decisions.

• Holistic Devotion: The triad of heart, soul, and strength signifies that no part of the individual is to be excluded from this love. It encompasses their inner life, their very essence, and their outward actions and capabilities.
• Exclusive Allegiance: Implicit in "love the Lord your God" is the rejection of any other gods or idols. The oneness of God (v. 4) necessitates an exclusive devotion.
• Active Obedience: While termed "love," this commandment is intrinsically linked to obedience to God's laws, as demonstrated in the subsequent verses of Deuteronomy 6, which call for teaching these commands diligently and binding them as signs.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, Deuteronomy 6:5 is not an outdated legalistic command but a timeless spiritual principle. It calls for a radical reorientation of priorities, placing God at the absolute center of one's life.

• The Great Commandment: Jesus Himself identifies this verse, alongside the commandment to love one's neighbor, as the greatest commandment in the Law (Matthew 22:37-40). This highlights its paramount importance in understanding God's will for humanity.
• Discipleship: Loving God with all one's being is the essence of true discipleship, requiring a willingness to surrender personal desires, ambitions, and resources to God's purposes.
• Authenticity: It demands an authentic faith where outward religious practice is a genuine expression of an inner devotion, rather than a performance.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The Shema is a cornerstone of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

• Old Testament Covenant: It underscores the terms of the Mosaic covenant, where obedience and love were the expected response to God's redemptive acts.
• New Testament Fulfillment: The New Testament demonstrates how this love is made possible and perfected through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice atones for sin, enabling believers to truly love God, and His indwelling Spirit empowers them to live out this devotion. The concept of a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:33 promises that God's law will be written on the hearts of His people, facilitating this inward love and obedience.

Analogies

This comprehensive love can be understood through several analogies:

• A devoted spouse: A spouse loves their partner with their entire being, investing their time, energy, and emotional capacity into the relationship.
• An athlete's dedication: A dedicated athlete pours all their physical strength, mental focus, and emotional drive into training and competition.
• A passionate artist: An artist immerses their heart, soul, and every skill into their creative endeavor, striving for excellence and expression.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 6:4: The Shema's preamble, emphasizing God's oneness, is crucial for understanding the object of this love.
• Matthew 22:37-40: Jesus' explicit affirmation of this commandment as the greatest.
• Luke 10:27: Jesus reiterates the Shema, adding the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself.
• 1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us," highlighting the divine initiative that enables human love for God.
• Romans 12:1: Paul urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is a spiritual act of worship and a practical outworking of loving God with all their strength and being.