Go Beyond

• A Call to Obey God’s Commands | Deuteronomy 6:16-19

6:16 | Moses knew that the people would face many difficult situations in the Promised Land in which they would be tempted to doubt God’s sovereignty and care. He reminded them of the experience of their fathers at Rephidim (Exodus 17:1-7) where there was no water for them to drink. Rather than trusting in God, who had parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:13-31) and miraculously made bitter waters sweet at Marah (Exodus 15:22-26), the people grumbled against Moses. The attitude of the people is recorded in Psalm 78:17-20 and Psalm 95:8. When they came to a place with no water they quickly forgot the God who had delivered them by parting an entire sea of water. Instead of trusting God, they put the Lord to the test by making their obedience to Him contingent on His meeting their demands. Moses warned the people to not put the Lord to the test as they did at Rephidim. The place near Rephidim where Moses struck the rock was named Massah [test] and Meribah [quarrel] in commemoration of the people’s lack of faith in God.

6:17-19 | Moses again exhorted the people to observe God’s commandments. Their success in the Promised Land was dependant on their obedience to God. They were to “do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord” (6:18) rather than what is expedient in the sight of men. God’s will was to be their standard of conduct.

• Instructions Concerning Children | Deuteronomy 6:20-25

6:20-25 | Verse 20 reaffirms the importance of passing the faith on to the next generation. The covenant and commands were not intended for one generation only. They were to be passed on from generation to generation. Moses understood the inquisitive nature of children. He told the parents that the day would come when their children would ask them why they lived as they did (6:20). On that day, parents were to thoroughly explain the story of God’s redemptive activity to their children (6:21-23). Moses offered an outline of the answer parents should give to their children. It is simple enough for a child to understand: First, slavery in Egypt (6:21a). Second, miraculous deliverance out of Egypt “with a mighty hand” (6:21b-22). Third, the journey to the Promised Land (6:23). In addition, parents were to emphasize the practical benefits of obeying God’s commands, “for our good always and for our survival” (6:24), and that obeying God’s commands will result in righteousness (6:25).

We should encourage our children to ask questions about God. | A Persian philosopher gave the following answer when asked concerning how he had acquired so much knowledge: “By not being prevented by shame from asking questions when I am ignorant.” Children are inquisitive by nature. Parents should encourage their children to ask questions about God and be prepared to answer those questions.

• A Warning against Disobedience | Deuteronomy 6:10-15

6:10-15 | In anticipation of the blessings they would receive in the Promised Land (6:10-11), Moses warned the people against forgetting the Lord who had delivered them out of Egypt (6:12). Moses knew that those blessings could lead to their downfall (see also Deuteronomy 8:11-14). Notice the repeated use of the phrase “which you did not” in verses 10 and 11. These words reminded the Israelites that God was the source of the blessings they would enjoy in the Promised Land. We often fail to value the things that cost us nothing.

We must beware of the dangers of prosperity. | Moses warned the people to be on guard against the dangers of prosperity. One of the pitfalls of prosperity is forgetting God. Prosperity and abundance can also lead to pride and arrogance (see Deuteronomy 8:17). The blessings of God should humble and inspire us to express gratitude to God.

The “when” of verse 10 (blessing) leads to the “then” of verse 12 (warning). Moses knew that prosperity can intoxicate people and dull their sensitivity and responsiveness to God (as in the case of the prodigal son in Luke 15:11-32). Moses offered three ways for the people to remember God in verse 13. First, they were to “fear only the Lord.” Fear is the attitude that recognizes the holy and majestic character of God. The fear of God should motivate us to holy living (see Genesis 39:9). Second, they were to “worship [serve] Him.” Service was prescribed as a means of remembering God. Those who fear God and are living in close communion with Him will faithfully serve Him. Third, they were to “swear by His name.” Swearing by God’s name was also prescribed as a means of remembering Him. Any oaths taken were to be in the Lord’s name and not in the name of any other god.

Verse 14 is a restatement of the First Commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (5:7). The Israelites would be exposed to many of the gods of the Canaanites in the Promised Land (6:14). They would be tempted to look to those gods for agricultural blessings and success. Moses warned them to have absolutely nothing to do with the gods of the peoples around them. The reason for looking only to God, as well as the consequences of not looking to Him, is given in verse 15. God is a jealous God, interested in protecting what belongs to Him.

Our love for God should be unrivaled, undivided, and unbridled. | Our love for God should be unrivaled. It should be supreme and unequaled. Our love for God should be undivided. It should be a loyal love given in recognition of the awesome character and majesty of God. Our love for God should be unbridled. It should be an unrestrained love expressed from a heart of gratitude.

Psalm 23 has been called the psalm of psalms and the pearl of the Psalms. It is one of the best-known passages in the Bible. David, who was familiar with the role and responsibility of a shepherd, wrote the psalm.

23:1 The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.

A flock of sheep at Tel Arad, Israel.

David confidently acknowledged that the Lord was his shepherd. He had no other shepherd or master. His allegiance was to God alone. Shepherd is an intimate metaphor. A shepherd lives with his flock. He serves as protector, provider, and physician to his flock. The word “want” means “to lack” or “suffer need.” Only the Lord can satisfy our deepest needs. Only the Lord, the Shepherd who is always alert to the needs of His flock, can shepherd the lives of His own so that they can say, “I shall not want.” Phillip Keller, in his book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, comments: “It is a tragic truth that many people who really have never come under His direction or management claim that ‘The Lord is my shepherd.’ They seem to hope that by merely admitting that He is their Shepherd somehow they will enjoy the benefits of His care and management without paying the price of forfeiting their own fickle and foolish way of life.”

We need the Good Shepherd. | We need the Good Shepherd. We need the wisdom of the Shepherd to guide us, His strength to protect us, His hand to feed us, His presence to assure us, His rod to protect us, and His staff to guide us.

23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.

Sheep are known to be among nature’s most helpless (and stupid) animals. Sheep desperately need the guidance, assistance, provision, and protection of the shepherd. God gives His people rest and resources to sustain them. Phillip Keller comments that it is almost impossible to make sheep lie down until four requirements are met. They must sense a freedom from fear, tension with other sheep, aggravation from flies or parasites, and hunger. Only the Shepherd can see to it that these needs are met. The presence of the Shepherd dispels fear. The Shepherd stops the fighting and rivalry within the flock. The Shepherd administers agents to repel annoying insects and parasites. The Shepherd works to clear land and develop lush pasture for the sheep and knows where water can be obtained. Sheep become restless when they are thirsty and will drink from any polluted hole unless they are led to pure waters.

Look to the Good Shepherd for rest, refreshment, and nourishment. | We all experience pressures and pains. We live busy lives that offer little or no rest and escape from life’s pressures and demands. We have day-timers filled with appointments that leave us with little time for quiet. We have schedules that drain us of the strength to go on. We are surrounded by speed and noise. We cannot survive without rest, refreshment, and nourishment. The Good Shepherd can guide us into the rest we need to survive. Look to the Good Shepherd for rest, refreshment, and nourishment.

23:3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

As the needs of the sheep are satisfied with green pastures and cool waters, so David was refreshed and restored by God’s beneficent provision. The word “restores” may be understood in two senses. First, it may be understood in the sense of retrieving a straying sheep. Second, it may be understood in the sense of renewing and reviving those who have grown weary or stumbled. In addition, God guides His own “in the paths of righteousness,” or along right moral/ethical paths, “for His name’s sake” (the Lord’s reputation as a Shepherd is at stake). Phillip Keller comments, “No other class of livestock requires more careful handling, more detailed direction, than do sheep.” God always guides along right paths, whether we realize it or not.

Phillip Keller comments on a “cast” or “cast down” sheep. A cast sheep is one that has turned over on its back and is unable to get up again by itself. This condition is not uncommon among pregnant sheep. Unless the shepherd keeps diligent watch over his flock, a cast sheep will die or fall victim to predators. The shepherd must “restore” such sheep. He must help the cast sheep to get back on its feet again and regain its equilibrium.

The Good Shepherd can help us get up after we have fallen. | We are all subject to stumbling and falling in life. When we are down we are vulnerable to the deadly attacks of the enemy. When we are down we are vulnerable to attack from despair and despondency. When we are down we often find it difficult to get back up. That’s why we need the Good Shepherd. He knows when we fall. He knows when we are in danger of attack because of our helpless posture. He can help us to get back on our feet and regain our equilibrium.

23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil; for Thou art with me;
Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.

Notice that the language changes in verse 4. David now speaks directly to his Shepherd. The Lord guides us through dark valleys of distress and trouble just as through green pastures. His presence with us, through dark valleys where we find ourselves in death’s shadow, helps us to overcome our fear. On these occasions the shepherd serves as our personal escort. David also acknowledged the comfort and protection of God. The shepherd’s rod (a club worn at the belt) was used for beating off animals that threatened the welfare of the sheep. The staff was used to discipline and to gently guide the sheep along the right path. These implements represent protection and provision. We must remember that the Shepherd knows the path better than we do.

Phillip Keller comments that during the summer months, shepherds lead their sheep up the mountains via deep ravines and valleys to alpine meadows. Then, as autumn approaches, he leads them back into the lower elevations via the same gulches and draws. A shepherd chooses this route for several reasons. First, to lead his flock to adequate meadows for grazing. Second, because it is a well-watered route with rivers, streams, springs, and pools along the way. Third, because the richest feed and best forage is found by the way of the valleys.

We do not walk alone. | We never walk alone. The Good Shepherd leads (verse 2), guides (verse 3), and escorts (verse 4) us through life. When we journey through the valleys He walks beside us. He never leaves nor forsakes us (Hebrews 13:5). He knows the right way whether we realize it or not. He will never lead us wrong.

23:5 Thou dost prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
Thou hast anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
23:6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

These verses speak of abundant (overflowing) provision and triumph even in the midst of threatening circumstances. David pictured God as the host and himself as a guest. A host was responsible for the welfare of his guests. An intruder had to first deal with the host before he could deal with the guest. The host also anointed his guests with “oil,” a symbol of great joy and richness. The phrase “my cup overflows” paints a picture of abundance. The word “follow” in verse 6 means to pursue. David was assured — “surely” — that the twin blessings of “goodness and lovingkindness” would pursue him all the days of his life. David acknowledged the gracious provision of God and looked forward to dwelling with Him forever.

Phillip Keller comments that the “table” referred to here was actually the entire high summer range on the “mesa” or high tablelands. Keller also comments on a practice among shepherds of anointing a sheep’s head and nose with oil as an antidote to the flies and parasites that trouble the sheep.

The Good Shepherd is interested in our present as well as our future. | The Good Shepherd is interested in our present estate. He meets our needs with abundant provision. He makes it possible for goodness and lovingkindness to follow us as we journey through life. He blesses us with the assurance of a wonderful future with Him forever.

• The Shema | Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is called the “Shema,” the most important passage of the Old Testament for the Jews. It is the great confession of faith of Judaism. The designation “shema” comes from the Hebrew word “hear” in verse 4. This passage of Scripture is the first that every Jewish child must commit to memory. It is used to open every Jewish service. It is recited twice daily by the faithful in accordance with Jewish rabbinical law. Read also Deuteronomy 11:13-21 and Numbers 15:37-41.

6:4 | This great confession of faith begins with the declaration that God is one. This was important to the Israelites who found themselves between Egypt and Canaan. The Israelites were not unfamiliar with polytheism. The Egyptians acknowledged and worshiped innumerable gods, the names of at least two thousand of which are known. The future of the Israelites would be filled with the temptation to experiment with and incorporate the practices of their pagan neighbors into the worship of God. This confession prohibited both polytheism and syncretism. Thus this was an important confession for a people at the intersection of a past in which they were exposed to polytheism and a future that would tempt them with syncretism.

6:5 | The Israelites were to wholeheartedly love God. They were to love God with all their “heart … soul … [and] might,” terms that indicate the comprehensive kind of love man should have for God.

• They were to love God affectionately, with “all your heart.” The word “all” precludes a half-hearted kind of love. They were to love God entirely, “with all your soul.”

• They were to love God energetically, “with all your might.” In repeating this commandment, Jesus added the word “mind” (see Mark 12:30 and Luke 10:27).

• They were to love God intelligently, “with all your mind.” There is nothing unreasonable about loving God. Our love for God is best demonstrated by our obedience to His commands (see John 14:15 and 1 John 5:3).

Father and son at the Wailing Wall.

6:6-9 | Verse 6 declares that God’s word was to be passed on from generation to generation. Parents were charged with the responsibility of passing the faith on to their children. Note however, the phrase, “these words [that is, the entire law] … shall be on your heart.” Parents cannot teach their children about the love of God if they themselves have not experienced that love. Parents were to instruct their children in a comprehensive way in the course of daily living. What the parents had personally experienced (6:6) they were to communicate through a variety of methods, including verbal communication (6:7), exhibiting (6:8), and writing (6:9). In later times, the Jews interpreted literally the words of verses 8 and 9 and placed the words of the shema in small containers worn on the person (phylacteries) and attached to the doorposts of their homes (mezuzahs).

You cannot give what you do not possess. | Parents cannot impart to the next generation what they themselves do not possess. They cannot teach their children the importance of observing God’s commands if doing so is not a priority in their own hearts. The faith of the parents must be a personal, heartfelt faith. Children know whether or not the things of God are dear to their parents’ hearts.

Youth ministry begins in the home. | Youth ministry begins in the home for three reasons. First, because the Bible declares it. The Bible exhorts parents to teach their children the things of God. Second, because the family demands it. The home provides the proper atmosphere for youth ministry. In the home, youth are under the influence and authority of their parents from day to day. Third, because youth desire it. Youth want guidance from their parents. They want a consistent spiritual example from their parents. Socrates asked, “Fellow citizens, why do you turn and scrape every stone to gather wealth and take so little care of your children to whom one day you must relinquish it all?”

Religious practices can mask a wrong heart. | The Israelites used phylacteries and mezuzahs as outward and visible reminders of the importance of loving and serving God. In time, these outward trappings became more important to them that what they symbolized. In Jesus day, the Pharisees ostentatiously displayed their phylacteries, prayers, fasting, and tithing. It is easy to allow our worship and Bible study attendance, praying, tithing, and other practices to be done without consideration of the condition of our hearts. We must be careful lest good habits become a mask for a wrong heart.

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Photo Credit | Doyle Lowry, Jerusalem 2007

• The Ten Commandments (5–10) | Deuteronomy 5:16-21

5:16-21 | These verses contain a restatement of the last six commandments of the Decalogue (see also Exodus 20:1-17) and address man’s responsibility to man.

Fifth, the people were to honor their parents (5:16). The first mention of relational responsibility was that of children to parents. Parents had a responsibility to model and teach God’s word to their children. Children have a responsibility to obey and “honor” their parents. The word “honor” means more than just “be nice to your folks.” The word translates a word which literally means “to be heavy or weighty.” The concept of honor probably emerged from the idea of a person having a weight of possessions or great wealth. People with a weight of possessions were thought to have been blessed by God, hence honored. Conversely, the Hebrew word “dishonor” means “to be light, swift, trifling” (see Deut. 27:16).

The Apostle Paul noted that this is the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6:2) and listed two benefits of obeying and honoring parents (Ephesians 6:3). The first benefit relates to the quality of life: “that it may go well with you.” I can certainly testify to the fact that things at home went well for me when I obeyed my parents. But as a child I also learned that one minute of disobedience could get me hours of trouble. The second benefit relates to the quantity of life: “that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” This promise does not imply that those who have died young dishonored their parents. The general principle is that children who listen to their parents can avoid the sins and dangers that can easily shorten their lives.

Sixth, murder was prohibited (5:17). The word “murder” refers to taking an innocent life by criminal intent or through negligence (including premeditated murder, murder done in anger, murder done in revenge, and manslaughter through negligence). Life, including that of the unborn, must be respected and treated with reverence. God set specific guidelines regarding who, why, and how life was to be taken in certain instances (see Genesis 9:4-6; Deuteronomy 17:2-7 and 19:12; Romans 13:4).

Seventh, adultery was prohibited (5:18). Marriage was instituted by God. This commandment was designed to guard the sanctity of this human relationship. God expected His people to be faithful in every area of their lives. Read Jesus’ comments on this commandment in Matthew 5:27-28.

Eighth, stealing was prohibited (5:19). Scholars agree that this commandment originally applied to kidnapping of free persons, as in the case of Joseph. The commandment also applies to the protection of property and that which another earns, saves, and owns through honest labor. Read Amos 8:5 and Hosea 12:7 regarding merchants who stole from their customers by making the “bushel smaller” and weighing with “false balances.” We can steal either by taking from others or by withholding from others.

Ninth, bearing false witness against a neighbor was prohibited (5:20). This commandment protected the reputation and character of others. It concerned the giving of truthful testimony concerning another in a court of justice because such testimony had an impact on another’s future (see also Deuteronomy 19:15-21). Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things that God hates, three of which relate to the tongue: “a lying tongue … a false witness who utters lies, and one who spreads strife among brothers.” Shakespeare in Othello said: “Who steals my purse steals trash;
but he who filches from me my good name, robs me of that which not enriches him, yet leaves me poor indeed!”

The pen is mightier than the sword, but the tongue is sharper. | When I was a kid I used to watch “Hee Haw,” a popular television show at the time. The show had a segment in which a group of women sang the following words while doing laundry together: “Now we’re not ones to go around spreading gossip, why we’re just really not the gossipy kind, no, you’ll never hear one of us repeating gossip, so you better be sure and listen close the first time.” Gossip is a national past-time. One gossip was heard commenting to another, “There’s something I must tell you before I find out it isn’t true!” The prohibition against bearing false witness against another is broken every time gossip is spread. Someone correctly noted that gossip is the lowest form of communication.

Tenth, covetousness was prohibited (5:21). This commandment forbids both the intention (inner motive) to take for oneself what belongs to another (and what we have no right to possess) and the deed itself. Outward sins and actions begin with inward thoughts and desires. Covetousness is the root of all sins against our neighbor. If we kept this last commandment, we would not break the first nine. This prohibition against covetousness includes another’s spouse, thus emphasizing the sacredness of the marriage relationship

• The People’s Response to the Covenant | Deuteronomy 5:22-23

5:22-33 | These verses contain a review of the circumstances surrounding the giving of the law at Horeb (5:22). The experience was so awesome that the people asked Moses to be their representative and report to them what God desired (5:23-26). The people pledged to obey God (5:27). God was pleased with the request of the people (5:28) and expressed His concern that they follow through on their commitment to obey Him (5:29). God instructed Moses to tell the people to return to their tents (5:30). Moses stayed to receive the “all the commandments and the statutes and the judgments” of God which he was to teach the people that they might prosper in the Promised Land (5:31-33).

• The Purpose of the Commandments | Deuteronomy 6:1-3

6:1-3 | Moses again reminded the people that the commandments of God were given that they might be obeyed (6:1). It is not enough to hear God’s word or to know God’s word, we must obey God’s word (see Luke 11:28 and James 1:22). Hearing God’s word should lead the hearer to “fear the Lord” (6:2). God’s word contains the record of God’s loving search for man. It helps us to understand the character, nature, and will of God and should lead us to reverence and love God. Psalm 119:38 states, “Establish Thy word to Thy servant, as that which produces reverence for Thee.” The fear of God should manifest itself in obedience. The relationship between obedience and blessing is a recurring theme in Deuteronomy (6:3). Our lives are a living commentary on Proverbs 13:13, “The one who despises the word will be in debt to it, But the one who fears the commandment will be rewarded.” Moses defined the wonderful rewards of obedience to God’s word in Deuteronomy 6:3 (and also 5:16, 29; 6:18, 24).

• God’s Covenant with Israel at Horeb | Deuteronomy 5:6-21

5:6 | God introduced and identified Himself by His name and by His historical act of redemption. First, God introduced Himself by name, “I am the Lord your God.” This introduction is personal and points to Israel’s relationship with God. Second, God identified Himself as Israel’s deliverer out of the house of Egyptian slavery. God took the initiative in redeeming His people from slavery. The people were to “hear … learn … observe” the word of a personal (not a distant and impersonal) God who delivered them from bondage.

• The Ten Commandments (1–4) | Deuteronomy 5:7-15

5:7-15 | These verses are a restatement of the first four commandments of the Decalogue (see also Exodus 20:1-17). The first four commandments, or words, address man’s responsibility to love God.

First, the people were reminded that they were to have no other gods before (besides/against) God (5:7). These were important words to a people surrounded by nations involved in polytheistic worship. God alone was to be the object of their worship, devotion, and loyalty. They were to allow no other god to usurp His place in their hearts.

God alone is worthy of our deepest devotion and highest loyalty. | General William Booth, the founder of the Salvation Army, said the following when asked about the secret of his success. “From the day I got the poor of London on my heart and a vision for what Jesus Christ would do for them, I made up my mind that God should have all of William Booth there was; and if anything has been achieved, it is because God has had all the adoration of my heart, all the power of my will and all the influence of my life.” Booth’s reply illustrates the kind of devotion and loyalty we should have toward God.

Second, the people were forbidden from making and worshiping any image representing God Himself (5:8-10). The first commandment concerns the object of worship. The second commandment concerns the means of worship. Jesus said, “God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). Isaiah said, “To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him?” (Isaiah 40:18; see also Isaiah 40:25 and 46:5). People through the centuries have attempted to make God in their own image. And, because children learn their first lessons about God in the home, parents should be careful regarding what they teach (through words and examples) about God because what they teach can impact future generations. John Maxwell comments that “the real danger of idolatry is that when one generation makes idolatrous choices, it becomes very easy for the next generation to go a step further with idolatry” (The Communicator’s Commentary, Volume 5).

Our influence can impact future generations. | The second commandment cautions parents to set the proper example in worship. A wrong example can have a far-reaching impact on future generations. Parents must not embrace any practice that will morally disorient their children.

Third, the people were prohibited from taking God’s name in vain. God’s name was often used in legal matters by those who could not prove or substantiate their claims. God would hold people accountable for misusing His name in such matters. In addition, God’s name was not to be used in association with any magic or casting of spells. The people were to reverently use God’s name.

God’s name should be hallowed not hollowed. | God’s name should not be used in a hollow, irreverent, or flippant manner. It should not be used in any way that is inconsistent with His character. As Jesus taught, we should hallow [to respect or honor as holy] God’s name (Matthew 6:9).

Fourth, the people were to observe and keep the sabbath day holy (5:12-15). The entire household was to observe the sabbath and cease from labor (note the inclusion of the animals in 5:14). The sabbath was to be a day of rest and reflection on God’s creative activity (Exodus 20:11), a day of remembrance of God’s mighty act of deliverance (5:15), and a day of worship.

It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming! | We live busy lives and deal with difficulties every day. The demands upon our time, energy, and resources often leave us feeling empty and dry. Observing the Lord’s Day can help restore our perspective, power, and pleasure in life. Sunday affords us the opportunity to slow down, look up, take in, and go out ready to face the challenges of another week.