📜WEB · Deuteronomy 6:1
What does Deuteronomy 6:1 mean?
"Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it;"
— Deuteronomy 6:1 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it;
that you might fear Yahweh your God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you; you, and your son, and your son’s son, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged.
Hear therefore, Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with you, and that you may increase mightily, as Yahweh, the God of your fathers, has promised to you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.
Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one.
Explanation
Deuteronomy 6:1 serves as an introduction, telling the reader what is about to follow and why it matters. In plain language, Moses is saying: "Here are the commands, laws, and rules that God told me to teach you, so that you will actually live by them once you cross into the land you are about to take possession of." It's a transitional verse, setting up the famous section that follows, including the Shema ("Hear, O Israel...") and the command to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength.
To understand the context, remember that Deuteronomy presents itself as Moses' farewell speeches to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they cross the Jordan River into Canaan. The generation that had left Egypt and rebelled at Kadesh Barnea had died in the wilderness; this is largely a new generation, born or raised during the forty years of wandering, who had not personally stood at Sinai. Moses is essentially re-presenting and explaining the law given at Sinai/Horeb to this new generation, preparing them for life in the land God promised to their ancestors. The book's name, Deuteronomy, means "second law" or "repetition of the law," reflecting this purpose. Moses speaks as God's mediator, making clear that what follows is not his own invention but a command from Yahweh himself.
Theologically, this verse highlights several important ideas. First, obedience to God's commands is not arbitrary; it is directly tied to the covenant relationship between Yahweh and Israel and to their reception of the Promised Land. Second, teaching is emphasized —
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