“And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.”
Context: Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and is attributed to Moses. It contains a series of speeches given by Moses to the Israelites just before they entered the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 6, Moses is instructing the people regarding the commandments and statutes given by God.
The Shema: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 contains what is known as the Shema, a central affirmation of Jewish faith. It begins with the famous statement, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord” (Deuteronomy 6:4). The following verses emphasize the importance of loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength.
Instruction for Memorization: In verse 9, Moses gives the people a practical instruction on how to remember and internalize God’s commandments. He tells them to write the words on the posts of their houses and on their gates. This physical act of writing the commandments on their homes and gates served as a constant reminder of their commitment to follow God’s laws.
Visible Testimony: By inscribing the commandments on their homes and gates, the Israelites were making a public declaration of their faith. Anyone who passed by their dwellings would see the words of God’s law prominently displayed. This act would distinguish them from the surrounding nations and serve as a witness to God’s covenant with Israel.
Constant Reminder: The act of writing God’s commandments on their homes and gates ensured that the people would be continually reminded of their obligations to God. The visual presence of the commandments in their daily lives would reinforce their commitment to obey God’s laws and serve as a deterrent against falling into idolatry or disobedience.
Application for Today: While this instruction was originally given to the Israelites, there are lessons we can draw from it today. We can apply the principle of constant reminder by surrounding ourselves with reminders of God’s Word. This can include displaying Scripture verses in our homes, having meaningful symbols or artwork, or even setting reminders on our electronic devices to prompt us to engage with God’s Word regularly.
A Living Witness: As believers in Christ, we are called to be a witness for God in our daily lives. Just as the Israelites’ visible display of the commandments set them apart, our lives should reflect the values and teachings of the Bible. We can serve as living testimonies to God’s love, grace, and truth by our actions, attitudes, and speech, both in our homes and in the world around us.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 6:9 teaches us the importance of constant reminder and public testimony. By displaying God’s commandments, the Israelites demonstrated their commitment to follow God’s laws and serve as witnesses to the surrounding nations. Today, we can apply this principle by surrounding ourselves with reminders of God’s Word and living in a way that reflects our faith in Christ.
