13 " You shall fear only the Lord your God ; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name . 14 " You shall not follow e other gods , any of the gods of the peoples who surround you, 15 for the Lord your God in the midst of you is a jealous God ; otherwise the anger of the Lord your God will be kindled against you, and He will wipe you off e the face of the earth . 16 " You shall not put the Lord your God to the test , as you tested Him at Massah .
17 " You should diligently keep the commandments of the Lord your God , and His testimonies and His statutes which He has commanded you. 18 "You shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord , that it may be well with you and that you may go in and possess the good land which the Lord swore to give your fathers , 19 by driving out all your enemies from before you, as the Lord has spoken . 20 " When your son asks you in time to come , saying , 'What do the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments mean which the Lord our God commanded you?' 21 then you shall say to your son , 'We were slaves to Pharaoh in Egypt , and the Lord brought us from Egypt with a mighty hand . 22 'Moreover, the Lord showed great and distressing signs and wonders before our eyes against Egypt , Pharaoh and all his household ; 23 He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers .'
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:13-23
Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:6-16
(Read Deuteronomy 6:6-16)
Here are means for maintaining and keeping up religion in our hearts and houses. 1. Meditation. God's words must be laid up in our hearts, that our thoughts may be daily employed about them. 2. The religious education of children. Often repeat these things to them. Be careful and exact in teaching thy children. Teach these truths to all who are any way under thy care. 3. Pious discourse. Thou shalt talk of these things with due reverence and seriousness, for the benefit not only of thy children, but of thy servants, thy friends and companions. Take all occasions to discourse with those about thee, not of matters of doubtful disputation, but of the plain truths and laws of God, and the things that belong to our peace. 4. Frequent reading of the word. God appointed them to write sentences of the law upon their walls, and in scrolls of parchment to be worn about their wrists. This seems to have been binding in the letter of it to the Jews, as it is to us in the intent of it; which is, that we should by all means make the word of God familiar to us; that we may have it ready to use upon all occasions, to restrain us from sin, and direct us in duty. We must never be ashamed to own our religion, nor to own ourselves under its check and government. Here is a caution not to forget God in a day of prosperity and plenty. When they came easily by the gift, they would be apt to grow secure, and unmindful of the Giver. Therefore be careful, when thou liest safe and soft, lest thou forget the Lord. When the world smiles, we are apt to make court to it, and expect our happiness in it, and so we forget Him who is our only portion and rest. There is need of great care and caution at such a time. Then beware; being warned of your danger, stand upon your guard. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God; neither by despairing of his power and goodness, while we keep in the way of our duty; nor by presuming upon it, when we turn aside out of that way.
Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:17-25
(Read Deuteronomy 6:17-25)
Moses gives charge to keep God's commandments. Negligence will ruin us; but we cannot be saved without diligence. It is our interest, as well as our duty, to be religious. It will be our life. Godliness has the promise of the continuance and comfort of the life that now is, as far as it is for God's glory. It will be our righteousness. It is only through the Mediator we can be righteous before God. The knowledge of the spirituality and excellency of the holy law of God, is suited to show sinful man his need of a Saviour, and to prepare his heart to welcome a free salvation. The gospel honours the law, not only in the perfect obedience of the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ; but in that it is a plan for bringing back apostate rebels and enemies, by repentance, faith, forgiveness, and renewing grace, to love God above all things, even in this world; and in the world above, to love him perfectly, even as angels love him.