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Study this verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Deuteronomy 6:17–25. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here, I. Moses charges them to keep God's commandments themselves: You shall diligently keep God's commandments, Deu 6:17-19. Note, It requires a great deal of care and pains to keep up religion in the power of it in our hearts and lives. Negligence will ruin us; but we cannot be saved without diligence. To induce them to this, he here shows them, 1. That this would be very acceptable to God: it is right and good in the sight of the Lord; and that is right and good indeed that is, so in God's sight. If we have any regard to the favour of our Creator as our felicity, and the law of our creation as our rule, we shall be religious. 2. That it would be very advantageous and profitable to themselves. It would secure to them the possession of the land of Canaan, prosperity there, and constant victory over those that stood in their way. In short, "Do well, and it shall be well with thee."
II.He charges them to instruct their children in the commands of God, not only that they might in their tender years intelligently and affectionately join in religious services, but that afterwards they might in their day keep up religion, and convey it to those that should come after them. Now,
1.Here is a proper question which it is supposed the children would ask (Deu 6:20): "What mean the testimonies and the statutes? What is the meaning of the feasts we observe, the sacrifices we offer, and the many peculiar customs we keep up?" Observe,
(1.)All divine institutions have a certain meaning, and there is something great designed in them.
(2.)It concerns us to know and understand the meaning of them, that we may perform a reasonable service and may not offer the blind for sacrifice.
(3.)It is good for children betimes to enquire into the true intent and meaning of the religious observances they are trained up in. If any are thus inquisitive in divine things it is a good sign that they are concerned about them, and a good means of their attaining to a great acquaintance with them. Then shall we know if thus we follow on to know.
2.Here is a full answer put into the parents' mouths to be given to this good question. Parents and teachers must give instruction to those under their charge, though they do not ask it, nay, though they have an aversion to it; much more must they be ready to answer questions, and to give instruction when it is desired; for it may be hoped that those who ask it will be willing to receive it. Did the children ask the meaning of God's laws? Let them be told that they were to be observed,
(1.)In a grateful remembrance of God's former favours to them, especially their deliverance out of Egypt, Deu 6:21-23. The children must be often told of the deplorable state their ancestors were in when they were bondmen in Egypt, the great salvation God wrought for them in fetching them out thence, and that God, in giving them these peculiar statutes, meant to perpetuate the memorial of that work of wonder, by which they were formed into a peculiar people.
(2.)As the prescribed condition of his further favours (Deu 6:24): The Lord commanded us all these statutes for our good. Note, God commands us nothing but what is really for our good. It is our interest as well as our duty to be religious.
[1.]It will be our life: That he might preserve us alive, which is a great favour, and more than we could expect, considering how often we have forfeited life itself. Godliness has the promise of the continuance and comfort of the life that now is as far as it is for God's glory.
[2.]It will be our righteousness. Could we perfectly fulfil but that one command of loving God with all our heart, soul, and might, and could we say, "We have never done otherwise," this would be so our righteousness as to entitle us to the benefits of the covenant of innocency; had we continued in every thing that is written in the book of the law to do it, the law would have justified us. But this we cannot pretend to, therefore our sincere obedience shall be accepted through a Mediator to denominate us, as Noah was, righteous before God, Gen 7:1; Luk 1:6; and Jo1 3:7. The Chaldee reads it, There shall be a reward to us if we observe to do these commandments; for, without doubt, in keeping God's commandments there is great reward.
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Summary
Deuteronomy 6:20 anticipates a pivotal moment in the life of an Israelite family: the child's sincere inquiry into the meaning and purpose of the divine commands observed by their parents. This verse, situated within Moses's final exhortations before Israel enters the Promised Land, underscores the profound importance of intergenerational faith transmission, where the curiosity of the young serves as a divinely ordained opportunity for parents to articulate the historical, theological, and redemptive foundations of their covenant relationship with the LORD.
Context
Literary Context
Deuteronomy 6:20 is strategically placed within a larger discourse (Deuteronomy 6:1-25) that emphasizes the singular identity of God and the paramount importance of loving Him completely. It immediately follows the foundational "Shema" in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which commands Israel to love the LORD their God with all their heart, soul, and might. Moses then transitions to the practical implications of this love, particularly the diligent instruction of God's commands to the next generation, as detailed in Deuteronomy 6:6-9. Verse 20 serves as the anticipated outcome and a crucial pivot point, setting the stage for the parental response that grounds obedience in God's redemptive history, elaborated in Deuteronomy 6:21-25. The entire section functions as a blueprint for covenant education, ensuring the continuity of Israel's unique relationship with God.
Historical & Cultural Context
Moses delivers these words on the plains of Moab, just before the Israelites cross the Jordan River into Canaan. They are on the cusp of transitioning from nomadic wilderness life to settled agricultural existence in a land teeming with pagan cultures. This historical juncture made the intergenerational transmission of faith critically important to prevent assimilation and apostasy. Culturally, the family unit was the primary locus of education and religious instruction. Fathers, in particular, bore the responsibility of teaching their children the Law and the history of God's dealings with Israel. The anticipated question in verse 20 reflects a society where children were actively involved in family life and religious practices, and where oral tradition and instruction were central to preserving identity and faith. The commands themselves were not abstract but deeply interwoven with daily life, agricultural cycles, and social justice, making their meaning a legitimate subject of inquiry for an observant child.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. Firstly, Intergenerational Faith Transmission is paramount, highlighting God's design for parents to be the primary spiritual educators of their children, ensuring the covenant endures through successive generations (Psalm 78:5-7). Secondly, it emphasizes Covenant Education, where understanding the "why" behind God's commands is as crucial as knowing the "what." The son's question provides a natural opportunity to recount God's redemptive acts, particularly the Exodus, as the foundation for Israel's obedience and identity (as explained in Deuteronomy 6:21-23). Thirdly, the verse underscores the Comprehensive Nature of God's Law, using terms like "testimonies, statutes, and judgments" to encompass the full breadth of divine instruction—moral, ceremonial, and civil—all stemming from the character and will of the LORD. Finally, it highlights Curiosity as a Gateway to Deeper Faith, portraying the child's inquiry not as defiance but as a welcome sign of engagement and an opportunity for profound spiritual formation.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
While the English word "testimonies" is plural, the Hebrew root H5713 is ʻêdâh, meaning "testimony" or "witness." These refer to God's solemn declarations, His covenant stipulations, and the principles that bear witness to His character and will. They often relate to the moral law and fundamental truths, serving as reminders of God's relationship with His people.
While the English word "statutes" is plural, the Hebrew root H2706 is chôq, meaning "an enactment" or "decree." These are established decrees, fixed ordinances, or prescribed rules. They encompass both ceremonial laws (like those regarding sacrifice or festivals) and broader divine mandates, representing God's authoritative and unchangeable commands for His people's conduct and worship.
While the English word "judgments" is plural, the Hebrew root H4941 is mishpâṭ, meaning "a verdict" or "formal decree." These are judicial decisions, ordinances, or regulations pertaining to civil and moral justice. They outline how God's people are to live righteously in community, ensuring fairness, equity, and order, reflecting God's own just character. Together, these three terms signify the holistic and pervasive nature of God's revealed will, touching every sphere of life.
Verse Breakdown
"And when thy son asketh thee in time to come"
This clause highlights the anticipated, future nature of the inquiry, emphasizing that the command to teach is not for immediate compliance only, but for ongoing, generational instruction. The phrase "in time to come" (literally "tomorrow") points to the continuity of the covenant and the expectation that faith will be lived out and questioned by succeeding generations. It implies a natural, organic curiosity arising from observing the parents' faithful adherence to God's ways.
"saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments,"
This is the core of the son's question, demonstrating a desire for understanding beyond mere rote obedience. The use of "mean" (Hebrew, mah) signifies a quest for the underlying significance, purpose, and rationale behind the various categories of God's law. The specific enumeration of "testimonies, statutes, and judgments" indicates a comprehensive inquiry into the entire corpus of divine revelation given to Israel, reflecting an observant and thoughtful mind.
"which the LORD our God hath commanded you?"
This concluding phrase underscores the divine origin and authority of the commands. The son recognizes that these are not arbitrary rules invented by his parents but are direct mandates from "the LORD our God." The "you" refers to the parents' generation, acknowledging their current practice and the covenant relationship they have with God. This sets the stage for the parents' response, which will connect these commands directly to God's redemptive acts and His covenant faithfulness to Israel.
Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 6:20 employs several significant literary devices. Anticipation is central, as Moses proactively frames a future scenario, preparing the parents for an inevitable and crucial moment of intergenerational dialogue. This foresight underscores the divine wisdom embedded in the Law and the importance of parental readiness. The verse also functions as a form of Didacticism or Pedagogy, not just in its content but in its very structure, teaching parents how to teach. By presenting the child's question, it models the ideal interaction for transmitting faith. Furthermore, the specific enumeration of "testimonies, statutes, and judgments" uses Merism, a rhetorical device where two or more contrasting parts are used to represent a whole. In this case, these three distinct categories collectively encompass the entirety of God's comprehensive Law, emphasizing its all-encompassing nature in the life of the Israelite. The son's question, while genuine, also serves a Rhetorical purpose within Moses's speech, prompting the audience (the parents) to consider their own understanding and preparedness to articulate their faith.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Deuteronomy 6:20 is a cornerstone for understanding the divine imperative of intergenerational faith transmission. It reveals God's design for the family as the primary institution for spiritual formation, where the living out of faith naturally provokes questions from the next generation. The anticipated inquiry about "testimonies, statutes, and judgments" highlights that God desires not blind obedience but an informed and heartfelt understanding of His commands, rooted in His redemptive character and acts. This verse sets the stage for the profound theological truth that God's Law is not a burden but a gracious guide for a flourishing life, given in the context of a covenant relationship established by His saving power. The parental response, detailed in subsequent verses, grounds the Law in the historical reality of God's deliverance from Egypt, demonstrating that obedience flows from gratitude for salvation, not merely from a list of rules.
Reflection and Application
Deuteronomy 6:20 offers timeless wisdom for families and communities of faith today. It challenges us to live a faith so authentic and consistent that it naturally sparks curiosity in the next generation. Our adherence to God's Word, our practices, and our values should be evident enough to prompt questions from our children, grandchildren, or spiritual mentees. More than just living an exemplary life, this verse calls us to be prepared to articulate the "why" behind our beliefs and practices. We are not merely to transmit rules but to explain the loving, redemptive character of God who stands behind them. This requires not only knowledge of Scripture but also a personal, lived experience of God's faithfulness. When questions arise, we are to embrace them as sacred opportunities for discipleship, connecting biblical truths to personal experience, God's ongoing work in the world, and the grand narrative of salvation, fostering a deep love for God and His ways that transcends generations.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the son's question in Deuteronomy 6:20?
The son's question is profoundly significant because it represents the culmination of faithful intergenerational living and teaching. It signifies that the parents have not merely imposed rules, but have lived out their faith in a way that has prompted genuine curiosity and a desire for understanding in their child. This question is not a challenge to authority but an anticipated opportunity for the parents to articulate the historical, theological, and covenantal foundations of their faith. It highlights that God desires an informed and heartfelt obedience, not just blind adherence. The question also serves as a pedagogical device within Moses's speech, preparing the parents for this crucial moment and guiding them on how to respond by recounting God's redemptive acts (as seen in Deuteronomy 6:21-25).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Deuteronomy 6:20 focuses on the Old Covenant Law, its essence finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The Law, with its testimonies, statutes, and judgments, was given to reveal God's character and His righteous standards, ultimately exposing humanity's inability to perfectly keep it and thus pointing to the need for a Savior (Romans 3:20). Jesus Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Law, perfectly embodying its demands and satisfying its righteous requirements through His life, death, and resurrection (Matthew 5:17). The "meaning" of God's commands, which the son in Deuteronomy 6:20 sought, is fully revealed in Christ. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, making true obedience possible through the indwelling Holy Spirit (Romans 8:3-4). In the New Covenant, the commands are written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33), and the intergenerational transmission of faith now centers on teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, His redemptive work, and the new life found in Him (2 Timothy 3:15). Parents are called to explain not just rules, but the glorious person and work of Christ, who is the ultimate answer to all of life's deepest questions, making the "why" of our faith eternally clear.