Deuteronomy 6 Study Notes

6:9 The doorposts of Israel’s houses and their city gates must be identified as those dedicated to covenant compliance by the affixing of the law to them as well. Small metal boxes known as (Hb) mezuzah are to this day attached to doorways of Jewish homes to signify the commitment of their inhabitants to Judaism. These also contain Scripture portions (vv. 4-9; 11:13-21).

6:10-11 The reference to cities Israel did not build, houses they did not fill . . . cisterns they did not dig, and vineyards and olive groves they did not plant is significant in terms of the nature of Israel’s conquest of Canaan. With few exceptions, physical structures and agricultural assets were left intact precisely so Israel could take them over and thus more quickly and easily settle the land (Jos 11:13; 24:13). On the other hand, the wicked Canaanite populations were to be destroyed because they would become a stumbling block to Israel, an influence drawing them away from the Lord and toward idolatry (Dt 7:1-6).

6:12-15 Here is the third of many warnings in Deuteronomy not to forget the Lord, his acts, or his covenant (4:9,23; 8:11,14,19; 9:7; 25:19). On the Lord’s jealousy see 4:24; 5:9; Ex 20:5; 34:14; Jos 24:19; 1Kg 14:22; Ezk 23:24; 39:25; Jl 2:18; Nah 1:2; Zch 1:14; 8:2.

6:16 Massah means “testing” and refers to an episode in Exodus in which Israel, fresh from deliverance from Egypt, demanded that Moses provide them water to drink (Ex 17:1-7). At the Lord’s instruction, Moses struck a rock from which water gushed forth. The real issue was not the need for water, however, but Israel’s unbelief. The people were testing the Lord to see if he was really among them (Ex 17:7).

6:20 With the passing of time it is difficult to keep fresh the ideas and principles that give birth to movements and institutions. Moses was keenly aware that Israel must never forget its history.

6:24 The reason for remembering the history of God’s dealings with his people was so that future generations might understand them (v. 20) and fear the Lord. This would ensure prosperity from the Lord as well as their preservation.

6:25 Absolute righteousness cannot be earned by good works but is imparted only by the grace of God through faith (Eph 2:8-9). This fundamental truth is rooted in God’s covenant with Abraham, who “believed the Lord, and [God] credited it to him as righteousness” (Gn 15:6). Abraham did nothing but believe, and on that basis alone he was declared righteous (cp. Rm 4:1-3,9-12). In this verse righteousness is associated with obedience to the Lord’s commands, suggesting, if read in isolation from the rest of Scripture, that righteousness can be earned. However, reading this verse in the larger context of Deuteronomy (7:7-11; 9:5-6) makes clear that God’s favor is a gift that cannot be earned. Having received God’s gift, the believer is called to live according to the standard expected of those to whom the covenant has been extended.