Love the Lord Your God: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Deuteronomy 6

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Deuteronomy 6, fundamentally, is about *loving the Lord your God* with all your heart, soul, and might. This isn’t just a feeling; it’s a total commitment that permeates every aspect of our lives, from our inner thoughts to our outward actions. Moses, speaking to the Israelites on the cusp of entering the Promised Land, emphasizes the importance of remembering God’s commandments and diligently teaching them to their children. This intergenerational transmission of faith ensures the covenant relationship with God continues, safeguarding them against the spiritual dangers of the surrounding nations. The Shema, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one,” becomes the cornerstone of their belief and a daily reminder of their unique relationship with the Almighty. The chapter urges us, even today, to internalize God’s word, making it a visible and constant presence in our lives, guiding our thoughts, words, and deeds, and shaping the spiritual formation of future generations.

This chapter is more than just law; it’s a call to a vibrant, living relationship with God. The essence of true faith is not rote memorization, but a deep, abiding love for the One who first loved us. Deuteronomy 6 provides the foundational framework for spiritual formation, emphasizing the critical role of family, community, and consistent engagement with the Word of God in nurturing a lasting faith. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and ensure that our love for God is not merely lip service, but a genuine outpouring of devotion that informs every aspect of our lives. If you’re looking for a wordpress website builder to help create an online space to share your faith, consider options designed to facilitate community and engagement.

Commentary: Verse by Verse

Deuteronomy 6:1-3 – Introduction and Exhortation

Deuteronomy 6:1-3 (KJV): “Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it: That thou mightest fear the Lord thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.”

Commentary: Moses begins by emphasizing the divine origin of the commandments. These aren’t merely suggestions; they are instructions directly from God, intended to guide the Israelites in their new land. The phrase “fear the Lord” doesn’t mean terror, but rather a profound reverence and respect that leads to obedience. This obedience isn’t a burden but a pathway to blessing and longevity. The promise of a land “flowing with milk and honey” symbolizes abundance and God’s provision, a testament to His faithfulness when His people remain obedient. This land also has a geographical and environmental context. Canaan was a fertile crescent, a marked contrast from the wilderness that the Israelites had been in for 40 years.

Spiritual Application: We are called to receive God’s Word with humility and reverence, understanding that it is a guide for our lives, leading to blessing and spiritual abundance. This means actively seeking God’s will in our lives and striving to live according to His commandments, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for His grace. As Saint Athanasius says, “Τὸ γὰρ γνῶσις τῶν γραφῶν, ὁδὸς ἐστὶ πρὸς τὴν ἀλήθειαν” (To gar gnōsis tōn graphōn, hodos esti pros tēn alētheian – For the knowledge of the Scriptures is a pathway to the truth) (Athanasius, *Contra Gentes*, 1.2).

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 – The Shema: The Heart of the Law

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (KJV): “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (Septuagint): “Ἄκουε, Ισραήλ· Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν Κύριος εἷς ἐστιν. καὶ ἀγαπήσεις Κύριον τὸν Θεόν σου ἐξ ὅλης τῆς καρδίας σου καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς ψυχῆς σου καὶ ἐξ ὅλης τῆς δυνάμεώς σου.” (Akoue, Israēl; Kyrios ho Theos hēmōn Kyrios heis estin. Kai agapēsēis Kyrion ton Theon sou ex holēs tēs kardias sou kai ex holēs tēs psychēs sou kai ex holēs tēs dynameōs sou.)

Commentary: The Shema (“Hear, O Israel”) is the central declaration of Jewish faith, affirming monotheism: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This singular focus on one God is crucial, especially considering the polytheistic environment of the ancient world. The call to love God with “all your heart, soul, and might” emphasizes a total and unconditional commitment. Heart refers to the intellect and emotions, soul to the entire being, and might to one’s resources and strength. It demands that every facet of our existence is devoted to God.

Spiritual Application: The Shema is not just a historical declaration, but a living commandment for us today. We are called to examine our own hearts and ensure that our love for God is supreme, undivided, and all-consuming. This means placing God above all other priorities and dedicating our time, talents, and resources to His service. As Abba Poemen said, “Η ἀγάπη τοῦ Θεοῦ πάντα νικᾷ” (Hē agapē tou Theou panta nika – The love of God conquers all) (Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Poemen 61).

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 – Imprinting the Word

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (KJV): “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”

Commentary: These verses emphasize the importance of internalizing and actively transmitting God’s Word. It should permeate every aspect of life, from personal reflection (“in thine heart”) to daily conversations (“when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way”). The symbolic act of binding the words on the hand and forehead, and writing them on doorposts, signifies that God’s commandments should be a constant reminder and guide for both actions and thoughts. This isn’t just about physical reminders, but about the constant presence of God’s word in one’s consciousness.

Spiritual Application: We are called to make God’s Word a central part of our daily lives. This means not only reading the Scriptures, but also meditating on them, discussing them with others, and applying them to our daily experiences. We should strive to create a home environment that is centered on Christ, where faith is nurtured and shared. Consider ways to visually represent your faith in your home, not as empty rituals, but as reminders of God’s presence. As Saint Macarius the Great said, “Χρὴ τὸν χριστιανὸν ἐν πάσῃ ὥρᾳ μελετᾶν τὸν νόμον τοῦ Θεοῦ” (chrē ton christianon en pasē hōra meletān ton nomon tou Theou – It is necessary for the Christian to meditate on the law of God at every hour) (Macarius the Great, *Homilies*, 2.2).

Deuteronomy 6:10-15 – Beware of Forgetfulness

Deuteronomy 6:10-15 (KJV): “And it shall be, when the Lord thy God shall have brought thee into the land which he sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give thee great and goodly cities, which thou buildedst not, And houses full of all good things, which thou filledst not, and wells digged, which thou diggedst not, vineyards and olive trees, which thou plantedst not; when thou shalt have eaten and be full; Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name. Ye shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the people which are round about you; (For the Lord thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the Lord thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.”

Commentary: This section serves as a warning against complacency and forgetfulness when the Israelites enter the Promised Land. God anticipates their prosperity and abundance but cautions them not to forget the source of their blessings: God Himself. The temptation to attribute their success to their own abilities or to turn to other gods is a real danger. God’s “jealousy” is not a negative trait but a reflection of His exclusive claim on their devotion, rooted in His covenant relationship with them. The archaeological record shows that many ancient cities in Canaan had complex religious practices and beliefs, offering a strong pull for the Israelites to abandon their covenant with God.

Spiritual Application: This passage reminds us that our blessings are gifts from God, and we should never forget His faithfulness in our lives. Prosperity and comfort can often lead to spiritual complacency. We must remain vigilant, guarding against the temptation to take credit for our accomplishments or to seek fulfillment in worldly possessions. Instead, we should use our blessings to glorify God and serve others. As Saint Cyril of Alexandria says, “Μὴ ἐπιλανθάνεσθε τοῦ Θεοῦ τῶν πατέρων ὑμῶν, ὃς ὑμᾶς ἐξήγαγεν ἐκ γῆς Αἰγύπτου” (Mē epilanthanesthēte tou Theou tōn paterōn hymōn, hos hymas exēgagen ek gēs Aigyptou – Do not forget the God of your fathers, who brought you out of the land of Egypt) (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Isaiah*, 2.3.4).

Deuteronomy 6:16-19 – Obedience and God’s Approval

Deuteronomy 6:16-19 (KJV): “Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God, as ye tempted him in Massah. Ye shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his testimonies, and his statutes, which he hath commanded thee. And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee, and that thou mayest go in and possess the good land which the Lord sware unto thy fathers, To cast out all thine enemies from before thee, as the Lord hath spoken.”

Commentary: The reference to Massah reminds the Israelites of their past disobedience and testing of God’s patience. They are warned against repeating this pattern of behavior. Instead, they are called to diligently obey God’s commandments and do what is “right and good” in His sight. This obedience is not merely external conformity but a reflection of an inward transformation. This is linked to the promise of inheriting and securing the Promised Land, implying that obedience is not just a requirement but a key to God’s continued blessing and protection.

Spiritual Application: We must learn from the mistakes of the past and avoid testing God’s patience through disobedience and doubt. True obedience flows from a heart that is aligned with God’s will. We are called to seek His guidance in all areas of our lives and to strive to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. This involves not only avoiding sin but also actively pursuing righteousness and good works. As Saint Basil the Great said, “Η ἀληθινὴ ὑπακοὴ ἐκ τῆς καρδίας προέρχεται” (Hē alēthinē hypakoē ek tēs kardias proerchetai – True obedience comes from the heart) (Basil the Great, *Moralia*, 70.1).

Deuteronomy 6:20-25 – Teaching Future Generations

Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (KJV): “And when thy son asketh thee in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord our God hath commanded you? Then thou shalt say unto thy son, We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt; and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand: And the Lord shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: And he brought us out from thence, that he might bring us in, to give us the land which he sware unto our fathers. And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. And it shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as he hath commanded us.”

Commentary: This passage highlights the crucial role of parents in educating their children about the meaning and purpose of God’s commandments. When children ask about the significance of the laws, parents are instructed to recount the story of the Exodus, emphasizing God’s mighty deliverance and His faithfulness to His promises. Obedience to God’s commandments is presented not as a burden, but as a pathway to blessing, preservation, and righteousness. The narrative of the Exodus, a pivotal historical event for the Israelites, serves as a tangible example of God’s power and love.

Spiritual Application: We, as parents and members of the faith community, have a responsibility to teach future generations about the love of God and the importance of obedience to His Word. This involves not only providing intellectual instruction but also sharing our personal experiences of God’s faithfulness in our lives. We should strive to create a culture of faith within our families and communities, where children are encouraged to ask questions and to explore the depths of God’s love. As Saint John Chrysostom said, “Παιδεία γὰρ καλὴ καὶ ἀρετῆς διδασκαλία, τὸ πᾶν ἐστιν” (Paideia gar kalē kai aretēs didaskalia, to pan estin – For good education and the teaching of virtue is everything) (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on Ephesians*, 12.2).

Subtopic: Loving God – More Than Just Feeling

Loving God is not merely an emotional sentiment, but a conscious choice to align our lives with His will. It is a commitment that demands action and obedience.

• Love as Obedience: John 14:15 reminds us, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” Obedience is the outward expression of our inward love.
• Love in Action: Loving God means loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Our love for God should manifest in our actions towards others.
• Sacrificial Love: True love often requires sacrifice. Just as Christ sacrificed Himself for us, we are called to sacrifice our time, resources, and comfort for God and others.
• Constant Surrender: Loving God requires a continual surrender of our will to His. It’s a daily choice to trust in His plan for our lives.
• Gratitude and Thanksgiving: A heart filled with love for God is also a heart filled with gratitude. We should constantly give thanks for His blessings and provision.

FAQ ❓

• Q: What does it mean to “love God with all your heart, soul, and might?”

  A: This means dedicating every aspect of our being – our intellect, emotions, will, strength, and resources – to God. It’s a total and unconditional commitment that permeates every area of our lives, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions.

• Q: Why is it so important to teach children about God’s commandments?

  A: Teaching children about God’s commandments ensures the continuity of faith from one generation to the next. It equips them with a moral compass, helps them develop a personal relationship with God, and protects them from the dangers of the world.

• Q: How can we practically apply Deuteronomy 6 in our daily lives?

  A: We can apply Deuteronomy 6 by prioritizing our relationship with God, making His Word a central part of our daily lives, actively teaching our children about faith, and striving to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. This includes prayer, scripture study, fellowship, and acts of service.

• Q: What are the dangers of forgetting God when we are prosperous?

  A: Forgetting God when we are prosperous can lead to spiritual complacency, pride, and a turning away from Him. We may begin to attribute our success to our own abilities and lose sight of God’s role in our lives, ultimately leading to spiritual decline.

Conclusion

Deuteronomy 6, therefore, is an urgent call to cultivate a deep, abiding love for the Lord our God. It’s not about empty rituals or rote memorization, but about a vibrant, living relationship that shapes every aspect of our existence. This chapter serves as a blueprint for spiritual formation, emphasizing the critical role of family, community, and consistent engagement with the Word of God. We are challenged to internalize the Shema, *loving the Lord your God* with every fiber of our being, and to diligently teach these truths to our children. Only then can we experience the fullness of God’s blessing and safeguard the spiritual heritage of future generations. Let us examine our own hearts and ensure that our love for God is not merely lip service, but a genuine outpouring of devotion that informs every aspect of our lives.

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Deuteronomy 6, Shema, Love God, Teach Children, Coptic Orthodox, Biblical Commentary, Spiritual Formation, Obedience, Commandments, Faith

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Explore Deuteronomy 6 and learn how to *Love the Lord Your God* with all your heart, soul, and might. A Coptic Orthodox commentary on teaching the children.