Deuteronomy 6 Summary

Moses charges Israel to carefully keep the commandments, statutes, and judgments God has given, so that they and their descendants may fear the LORD, live long, and prosper in the Promised Land. He declares the Shema — "The LORD our God is one LORD" — and commands Israel to love God with all their heart, soul, and might, keeping His words ever present: in their hearts, taught to their children, recited at all times of day, bound on their hands and foreheads, and written on their doorposts and gates. Moses then warns Israel that when they enter the land and enjoy its abundance — cities they did not build, houses they did not fill, wells they did not dig, and vineyards they did not plant — they must not forget the LORD, go after other gods, or tempt Him as they did at Massah, for He is a jealous God. Finally, Moses instructs parents to answer their children's future questions about the law by recounting the Exodus and God's mighty acts, explaining that obedience to these commandments is for Israel's good and will be counted as their righteousness.