This passage in Deuteronomy 6 is one of the most important in the Bible. It highlights two fundamental truths: the Lord’s uniqueness and our obligation to love Him.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.
Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
The Lord’s Uniqueness
One of the most familiar prayers in Hebrew life is the shema. It is expressed with the words, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.”
Scholars often debate the proper understanding of verse 4.
- Some say it teaches the singularity of God, meaning He is one, not many.
- Others emphasize God’s internal consistency or the unity of Yahweh/Jehovah.
- Still, others focus on His uniqueness, saying He is incomparable or exclusive, the only one for Israel.
I primarily use the Bible to enhance my prayer life. I’m not limited by strict scholarly rules. So, I blend different understandings of God and use them to connect with Him in prayer, inspired by Israel’s wonderful expression of faith the shema.
Expressions of God’s Character
At least three truths come from the divine names used in these verses.
(1) The God to whom prayers are made is Yahweh/Jehovah, the faithful covenant-making and covenant-keeping God.
(2) He is also our God, the one who entered into a special and intimate covenant with His nation, Israel.
(3) One reality that sets Israel apart from the world is its exclusive relationship with this remarkable God. He is Yahweh/Jehovah alone.
Yahweh/Jehovah, and only Yahweh/Jehovah, should be the focus of our complete and undivided loyalty.
Loving God
People are commanded to love God. Loving God means seeking the well-being and happiness of our partner without thinking about ourselves. Love also means being loyal to the one we depend on.
Moses sees this duty to love as:
- Requiring God’s nation to fear Him,
- Walk in His ways,
- Serve Him,
- Keep His commands,
- Hold fast to Him,
- And listen to or obey His voice.
Let’s remember that Jesus taught the truth in these two verses as the central demand of the Old Testament law.
“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38).
The Impact of Loving God
How will people recognize God’s special relationship with his followers and their complete loyalty to him? Those who understand this will change their lives and work hard to pass it on to future generations.
They will want to share with God with their children and grandchildren. God’s followers will embrace His expectations and then teach them to others.
YouTube Discussion
Rudy Ross, Bruce Kirby, and I discussed this passage on YouTube today.
Real Voices 