When asked what is the greatest commandment of the law, Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:5. In this passage we find that the greatest commandment is part of an epitomizing statement of the first principles and first priorities of saving faith. Among those first principles we find, as an addendum to the greatest commandment, the duty to teach the word of God diligently to our children.
First Principles (vs. 4-6) This compendium of true religion begins with what man is to believe concerning God (v.4) and what duty God requires of man (v.5). The singular character of God is to be the wellspring of our singular love for Him. This saving knowledge of the one true God is a matter of the heart, where the Word of God becomes the commanding principle of the inner man (v.6).
First Priorities (vs. 7-9) A set of practical priorities flow from the high principles of vs. 4-6. These priorities center around the Word of God. It is to be taught diligently to covenant children, and it is to be the deliberate substance of our conversation (v.7). These duties are seen in their true importance when they are seen in their true context as accessories to the greatest commandment. Through covenant instruction and covenant conversation the love of God is maintained among us. The 'Shema' concludes wiht a figurative exhortation to use all means necessary to keep the Word of God before our eyes and in our minds (vs.8-9). This need is so great because of our tendency to forget (vs.10-12).
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