6 " These words , which I am commanding you today , shall be on your heart . 7 " You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 " You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead e . 9 " You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates .
10 "Then it shall come about when the Lord your God brings you into the land which He swore to your fathers , Abraham , Isaac and Jacob , to give you, great and splendid cities which you did not build , 11 and houses full of all good things which you did not fill , and hewn cisterns which you did not dig , vineyards and olive trees which you did not plant , and you eat and are satisfied , 12 then watch yourself, that you do not forget the Lord who brought you from the land of Egypt , out of the house of slavery . 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 .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:6-16
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.