Meaning of Deuteronomy 6:7

Deuteronomy 6:7 commands the Israelites to diligently and pervasively teach God's commandments to their children, integrating them into the fabric of daily life. This is not a passive or occasional instruction but an active, intentional, and continuous process. The directive emphasizes that the transmission of divine law should permeate all aspects of family interaction and routine, from moments of rest and leisure to times of travel and activity. The intention is to cultivate a deep, internalized understanding and love for God's ways, ensuring that future generations remain faithful and obedient. This verse, part of the Shema, is foundational to Jewish religious education and underscores the covenantal responsibility of parents to nurture their children's spiritual development within the context of God's revealed will.

Context and Background

This verse is situated within the larger context of Deuteronomy, which records Moses' final addresses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The book serves as a renewal of the covenant made at Sinai, reminding the people of God's faithfulness and their obligations. Specifically, Deuteronomy 6 begins with the central declaration of faith, the Shema ("Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." - Deut. 6:4), followed by the command to love the LORD with all one's heart, soul, and strength (Deut. 6:5). Deuteronomy 6:6 then states that these words are to be upon their hearts, and verse 7 elaborates on the practical outworking of this love and commitment through teaching the next generation. The historical backdrop is crucial: the generation that experienced the Exodus and received the Law directly was passing away, and a new generation, born in the wilderness or about to enter Canaan, needed to be thoroughly instructed and committed to the covenant.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes are instruction, pervasiveness, and intentionality.

• Instruction: The verb shanan (to impress, sharpen, repeat) implies a thorough and repeated teaching process, not mere recitation. It speaks to imprinting the commandments on the hearts of children.
• Pervasiveness: The verse outlines four specific times: "when you sit at home," "when you walk along the road," "when you lie down," and "when you get up." This comprehensive list signifies that the teaching should be woven into the ordinary routines of life, leaving no moment untouched by the reminder of God's commands.
• Intentionality: The command is active and deliberate. Parents are not to assume their children will absorb these truths passively but are to actively engage them in conversation and instruction about God's law. This reflects a parental responsibility for spiritual discipleship.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, Deuteronomy 6:7 highlights the importance of intergenerational discipleship and the holistic nature of faith. It teaches that faith is not confined to religious observances but should influence every aspect of one's life and be passed down through deliberate effort. For parents today, it underscores the profound responsibility to actively teach their children about God, His Word, and His ways. This involves not only formal instruction but also modeling a life lived in obedience and love for God, and consistently integrating spiritual conversations into everyday life. It calls for a faith that is lived out loud, in the home, on the journey, and throughout the day.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a critical link in the biblical narrative of covenant faithfulness and transmission. It demonstrates God's desire for His people to remain steadfast through generations, a theme that echoes throughout Scripture. From the patriarchal promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God intended for His covenant to be passed down. In the New Testament, Jesus' discipleship model, which involved teaching and living alongside His followers, reflects a similar principle. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) further extends this mandate of teaching and making disciples to all nations, building upon the foundation laid in the Old Testament for the instruction of one's own household.

Analogies

• Gardening: Just as a gardener diligently tends to young plants, watering, weeding, and providing sunlight, parents are to consistently nurture their children's spiritual growth.
• Sculpting: The process of impressing commandments on children is akin to a sculptor carefully shaping clay, where repeated attention and deliberate strokes mold the final form.
• Building a Foundation: Teaching God's commands is like laying a strong foundation for a house, ensuring stability and durability for the structure of a child's life.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse is deeply connected to several other key biblical passages:

• Deuteronomy 6:5: "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." Deuteronomy 6:7 is the practical outworking of this command.
• Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." This proverb echoes the sentiment of Deuteronomy 6:7 by emphasizing the importance of early and consistent training.
• Ephesians 6:4: "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." This New Testament parallel directly addresses parental responsibility for spiritual upbringing.
• Psalm 78:4-7: This psalm recounts God's faithfulness and instructs the people to tell the next generation "the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done," ensuring that future generations would know and trust God.