Deuteronomy 6:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 6:1
1 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:
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 6 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of judgment, love, righteousness. 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 21-25: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. 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 6:1
1 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:
Analysis
Moses introduces the Shema section by stating that 'this is the commandment, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you.' The threefold designation—commandment (mitzvah), statutes (chuqqim), and judgments (mishpatim)—encompasses the full scope of Torah: moral law, ceremonial regulations, and civil ordinances. The purpose is explicitly stated: obedience in the land they're about to possess. This links covenant fidelity to land tenure—Israel's continued possession depends on covenant faithfulness, establishing a conditional element alongside unconditional promises.
Historical Context
This introduction precedes the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9), the central confession of Jewish faith. Moses addresses the generation poised to enter Canaan, emphasizing that covenant obedience isn't optional but essential for successful settlement. The conquest and settlement period (Joshua-Judges) would repeatedly demonstrate this principle—obedience brought blessing, disobedience brought oppression, repentance brought deliverance.
Reflection
- How does understanding the comprehensive nature of God's law (moral, ceremonial, civil) shape your view of biblical authority?
- What does the link between obedience and blessing teach about God's covenant administration?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- Judgment: Deuteronomy 4:1, 4:5, 4:14, 4:45, 5:31, 12:1
- Word: Leviticus 27:34