“Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and thy stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear the LORD your God, and observe to do all the words of this law.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, which consists of the first five books written by Moses. Deuteronomy means “second law,” as it contains a restatement and review of the laws given to Israel. It serves as a reminder and preparation for the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.
Gathering the People: In this verse, Moses instructs the people of Israel to gather together for a specific purpose. This gathering includes everyone: men, women, children, and even foreigners living among them. The unity and inclusivity of the assembly emphasize the importance of the message they are about to hear.
Hearing and Learning: The primary purpose of the gathering is for the people to hear and learn. The Israelites were to listen attentively to the words spoken, paying close attention to the law and instructions given by God through Moses. Hearing and learning were essential for their spiritual growth, understanding of God’s will, and living according to His commandments.
Fear of the LORD: One of the desired outcomes of the gathering and learning was the fear of the LORD. “Fear” here refers to reverential awe, respect, and recognition of God’s authority and holiness. Through understanding and obedience to His law, the people were to develop a deep reverence for God, recognizing His greatness and submitting to His will.
Observing and Doing: The ultimate purpose of hearing, learning, and fearing the LORD was to observe and do all the words of the law. The Israelites were called to put their newfound knowledge into practice, applying God’s commands to their daily lives. Observing and doing the law were acts of obedience, demonstrating their faithfulness to God and their commitment to His covenant.
Application: This verse reminds us of the importance of gathering together as a community to hear and learn from God’s Word. It emphasizes the value of unity and inclusivity, as everyone, regardless of age or background, should have the opportunity to hear and understand God’s teachings. The goal is not merely intellectual knowledge, but rather a genuine reverence for God that results in obedient living.
Contemporary Relevance: In our present context, this verse reminds us of the significance of coming together as believers in congregational worship, Bible studies, and fellowship. It emphasizes the importance of teaching and learning from God’s Word as a community. It also encourages us to be inclusive, reaching out to those who are new to the faith or visitors among us, so that they too may hear, learn, and fear the LORD.
Remember, studying the Bible involves examining the surrounding verses and considering the overall message and context.
