And that their children which haue not knowen any thing, may heare, and learne to feare the Lord your God, as long as yee liue in the land, whither ye goe ouer Iordan to possesse it. Deuteronomy 31:13 (KJV)
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and serves as Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites. In this chapter Moses is nearing the end of his life and preparing to transfer leadership to Joshua. He reiterates God’s commands, instructs the people to be strong and courageous, and emphasizes the importance of keeping God’s law.
Teaching Children: The verse focuses on the responsibility to teach children who have not yet known anything about God’s law. Moses calls the Israelites to gather all the people—men, women, children, and even strangers—so that the younger generation may hear, learn, and revere the Lord. This underscores both the communal nature of instruction and the specific duty of parents and leaders to ensure the next generation knows and obeys God.
Fear of the Lord: The phrase “fear the LORD” does not denote terror but a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God, acknowledging His sovereignty, holiness, and authority. To fear the Lord is to recognize His greatness, submit to His will, and live in accordance with His commandments.
Importance of Teaching: By teaching children God’s laws and principles, parents and leaders pass down the faith from one generation to the next. This cultivates a foundation of knowledge, reverence, and faithfulness, enabling each person to develop a personal relationship with the Lord.
Lifelong Commitment: Moses stresses that this instruction must continue as long as the Israelites dwell in the promised land. The commitment to teach fear of the Lord is perpetual, requiring consistent effort and dedication across generations.
Application: For believers today, the passage reminds us to actively teach the younger generation about God’s ways—whether they are our own children, younger family members, or those within our sphere of influence. Teaching involves both instruction and modeling a life of faith, demonstrating the love and character of Christ.
Continuity of Faith: The verse also calls us to consider the broader task of transmitting faith through the ages. Just as the Israelites were charged to pass down knowledge of God’s law, Christians are responsible for ensuring the continuity of the Gospel by sharing it, making disciples, and mentoring others in their journey of faith.
