Deuteronomy 6: Shema and the Covenant Love — Hearing with the Heart and Living by Faithfulness
- Pr Enos Mwakalindile
- Oct 1
- 5 min read
Theme of the series: “Walking with God: From Wandering in the Wilderness to Covenant Faithfulness”
Introduction
Deuteronomy 6 lies at the heart of the entire book: it issues a call to Shema — to listen attentively and respond in obedience. It builds upon chapter 5, where the Ten Commandments were restated as the foundation of the covenant, and now expands them into a call of wholehearted love. Moses invites Israel into the covenantal love: to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength. This is not a religion of mere words, but a summons to life — a continuation of Sabbath rest and the law of the heart. Jesus condensed the gospel into this great command (Matt. 22:37-38). Thus Deuteronomy 6 becomes a bridge between the old covenant and the new covenant.
Summary of Deuteronomy 6
The Covenant Commands (Deut. 6:1–3) — Moses emphasizes that these commandments are given so the people may live and flourish in the promised land. Obedience is a pathway to blessing and a witness of faithfulness.
Shema: Call to Love (Deut. 6:4–9) — “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” This is the foundation of monotheistic worship and the call to love with heart, soul, and strength. These commands are to be internal, taught to children, and written on homes and ways as signs of the covenant.
Warning Against Forgetting (Deut. 6:10–19) — As blessings come, there is danger of turning aside and forgetting. Moses warns them not to chase after other gods, but to serve only the LORD.
Witness to Generations (Deut. 6:20–25) — When children ask about the meaning of these commands, parents are to tell the story of deliverance from Egypt and emphasize that these laws are for life, justice, and covenantal living.
Historical Context
Shema was a bold declaration in a polytheistic world. Neighboring nations worshipped Baal, Asherah, and Molech, gods of fertility and power. But Israel was called to declare openly that the LORD alone is the one true God. This distinctive faith set them apart as a holy nation, a light to the nations (Isa. 42:6). In a world dependent on gods for prosperity, Shema announced a faith that permeates all of life.
Literary & Linguistic Exegesis
“Hear, O Israel” (Deut. 6:4) — Shemaʿ is more than hearing with ears; it is a summons to respond in obedience with one’s whole being. It is like a trumpet sounding through history, requiring a faithful reply in belief and action (Rom. 10:17; Jas. 1:22). In the broader New Testament, this echoes Jesus’ call: “He who has ears, let him hear” (Matt. 11:15).
“The LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Deut. 6:4) — This statement affirms God’s unity and uniqueness, contrary to the polytheism of the ancient world. It echoes the First Commandment (Exod. 20:3) and is a covenantal claim of exclusive loyalty. Biblically, it anchors pure monotheism (Isa. 45:5–6).
“Love the LORD your God” (Deut. 6:5) — This love is a covenant promise, not mere sentiment, involving faithfulness of heart and life. Jesus declared it the first and greatest command (Matt. 22:37-38). Heart, soul, and strength encompass one’s whole being—like Paul’s exhortation: “do everything for the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).
“Teach them diligently to your children” (Deut. 6:7) — The covenant is generational; the story of redemption is a family and communal heritage. Faith is passed at home and along the road, as Timothy learned from Lois and Eunice (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15). The salvation narrative must be heard across generations to sustain covenant faithfulness.
“Write them on the doorposts” (Deut. 6:9) — This is both internal and external: remembering God in one’s heart and declaring faith publicly. It echoes Solomon’s proverb: “Bind them on your heart; write them on the tablet of your mind” (Prov. 3:3). It becomes a visible testimony of faith in community and across generations.
Theological Reflection
Love is the core of covenant. Shema teaches that true religion is a love within, lived out in obedience (Matt. 22:37-38). In the covenant context, this love is the breath of life, reminding Israel that God loved them first (Exod. 7:7–8; 1 John 4:19). Love and obedience are two sides of the same coin of covenant life.
Faith across generations. Teaching children is the renewal of the covenant story, spanning from Egypt to the cross (1 Cor. 10:1–4). It continues God’s promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed (Gen. 12:3). Each generation that embraces the story becomes a living bridge for the next.
Blessings and the danger of prosperity. In plenty and comfort lies the temptation to forget God. Jesus warned similarly: “You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matt. 6:24). Moses warned Israel: forgetting God in prosperity is tantamount to rebellion (Deut. 8:11–14). Babel’s story is a vivid example of that danger (Gen. 11:4–9).
Law and grace meet. Obedience to commandments is a response to the grace of salvation. Paul says: “Love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:10). Jeremiah prophesied a day when the law would be written on hearts (Jer. 31:33), and Jesus taught that all commandments are summed up in love (Matt. 22:40).
Practical Applications
Love with all your heart. The love of God is like an internal flame that consumes all life. It is like the sun lifting flowers at dawn—this love covers the soul entirely. Every breath is an opportunity to reaffirm love for God.
Teach your children. The story of redemption is the most precious heritage. Like a stream nourishing great rivers, these teachings carry the life of faith. Each generation is called to be a bridge of salvation for the next.
Don’t forget in blessing. Blessing is not a license to forget, but a reminder of God’s faithfulness. It is like tasting sweet honey and remembering the sting of the hive. Every gift calls us to praise and remembrance.
Speak and live Shema. Let God’s words be on our lips and in our hearts every day, at home and along the road. It is a cord binding generation to generation, voice to voice. Faithfulness becomes a song carried through time.
Spiritual Exercises
Meditate with your heart. Ask how you respond to God in each area of your life. It is like looking in the mirror of the soul, seeking to see Christ’s face. Let every response become a pledge to live more faithfully.
Pray earnestly. Ask God for a love without limits and a faith that obeys truly. It is like asking for the breath of life, knowing that apart from the Spirit we have no strength. Let every prayer be a bridge between your weakness and God’s grace.
Share boldly. Teach a youth or child the words of Shema and its meditation. It is like planting a tiny seed in the soil of the heart, which can grow into a fruitful tree. Every word you share may become a legacy for tomorrow.
Prayer & Blessing
O God of the covenant, we hear Your call of Shema. Grant us hearts to love You with all our heart, soul, and strength. Give us grace to teach our generations and live faithfully within Your blessings. Amen.
Invitation
We invite readers to share their reflections on this lesson and discuss it with friends. Spread this article to extend the message of Shema and covenant love.
➡️ Next lesson: Deuteronomy 7 — The Call to Holiness and DistinctivenessIn that chapter, Moses warns Israel not to accept the gods of nearby nations. What can we learn today about living holy lives amid modern idols? Don’t miss the next lesson.
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