Deuteronomy 11:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 11:18
18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 11 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, holiness, faith. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-32: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 11:18
18 Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.
Analysis
The remedy: 'lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul.' The Hebrew sum (שׂוּם, 'place, set, establish') indicates intentional, permanent placement. God's words must be internalized, not merely heard. The command continues: 'bind them for a sign upon your hand' and 'frontlets between your eyes.' This produced the Jewish practice of tefillin (phylacteries)—leather boxes containing Scripture worn during prayer. While the command may be partly figurative (meaning constant mindfulness), Jewish tradition took it literally. The point: Scripture should govern actions (hand) and thoughts (eyes/mind).
Historical Context
This command repeats Deuteronomy 6:8, establishing the practice of Scripture memorization and display. Exodus 13:9, 16 first introduced this concept regarding Passover remembrance. Post-exilic Judaism developed elaborate tefillin practices. Jesus criticized Pharisees who made ostentatious phylacteries while neglecting Scripture's heart (Matthew 23:5). True obedience internalizes God's word.
Reflection
- What does it mean to 'lay up' God's words in your heart versus merely reading or hearing them?
- How can Christians practice the spirit of this command (Scripture permeating thought and action) today?
- What is the danger of external religious observance without internal transformation?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- Word: Deuteronomy 32:46, Exodus 13:9, Psalms 119:11, Proverbs 3:1, Colossians 3:16
- Parallel theme: Exodus 13:16, Hebrews 2:1, 2 Peter 1:12