The first five chapters of Deuteronomy form the context for God's foundation command He gave to Israel. This command was of such enormous importance to Israel that in many ages Israelites recited it every morning and evening. Jesus spoke of the phylacteries worn by the Pharisees (Matthew 23:5). These were small leather boxes worn on the left arm and forehead during specific religious occasions in compliance with Deuteronomy 6:8. These boxes contained written scripture. One of the scriptures contained in these boxes was this command.

Consider the context of this command. Deuteronomy 1-5 focus on Israel's experiences after they left the mountain [Sinai or Horeb] (1:6). Israel rebelled against God's first command to possess Canaan (1:36). They distrusted the motives of the God who provided their daily guidance (1:27,32-33). When they realized they had sinned against God (1:41), they rebelled again and acted presumptuously (1:43). As a consequence, they wandered in the wilderness encountering severe struggles (2,3). Through difficult experiences, they learned the urgency of obediently trusting God (4). Their confidence in their future was in God's compassion and greatness. God is the only God anywhere (4:39). Chapter 5 repeats the ten commandments and reminded Israel of their fearful reaction when they heard God declare these commands. God's desire is declared:

Deuteronomy 5:29, Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!

Given Israel's experiences and given God's great desire to accept them, the foundation command is given to Israel:

Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

Hundreds of years later, Jesus said this was the greatest of all of God's commandments (Matthew 22:36-40). Loving God with one's whole being and loving one's neighbor as oneself was the foundation of everything God said to Israel.

Emphasis on the importance of a heart response to God:

1. What should their hearts not say? Why? (7:17,18)

2. Why did God keep them in the wilderness for forty years? (8:2-6)

3. What would happen if their hearts became proud? (8:11-16)

4. What should they never say in their hearts? Why? (8:17-20)

5. What should they not say about possessing Canaan? For what two reasons did God allow them to possess Canaan? (9:4,5)

6. What did God require of them? (10:12,13)

7. What should Israel circumcise? (10:16)

8. How should Israel serve God? (11:13)

9. In what situation must they not harden their hearts? (15:7,8)

10. In future captivities, when would God restore them? (30:1-3)

Emphasis on the love response to God:

1. To whom would God be faithful? (7:9)

2. What did God require of them? (10:12,13)

3. How should they respond to God? (11:1)

4. If they loved and served God with all their heart and soul, what were God's promises? (11:13-15)

5. What other promise to Israel was based on their love for God? (11:22,23)

6. If they permitted God to circumcise their hearts, what would happen? (30:6)

Link to Teacher's Guide Lesson 2

Copyright © 2002
David Chadwell & West-Ark Church of Christ

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