The Shema: "Hear, O Israel" (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
In the vast tapestry of Holy Scripture, certain passages stand as monumental pillars, foundational declarations that encapsulate the very essence of God's character and His expectations for humanity. Among these, the passage known as the Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9, shines as a radiant beacon. More than just a collection of verses, the Shema—derived from the Hebrew word "shema," meaning "hear" or "listen"—is a timeless proclamation of faith, a call to exclusive devotion, and a divine mandate for intergenerational discipleship. It is the very heart of Jewish identity and a profound truth for every believer in Christ, revealing the singular nature of God and the total love He commands.
"Hear, O Israel": The Call to Attention
The Shema begins with an urgent, singular command:
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
The word "Hear" (Shema) in this context is far more than a mere auditory perception. It implies an active, engaged listening that leads to understanding, acceptance, and ultimately, obedience. It is a call to pay profound attention, to open one's spiritual ears to the most vital truth about the Creator of the universe. This injunction is addressed directly to "Israel," signifying God's chosen covenant people. Yet, through the New Covenant, this call extends to all who are "spiritual Israel," those who have been grafted into the promises of God through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 2:29, Galatians 3:7). We are called to listen not merely with our physical ears, but with our hearts and minds, allowing the truth to penetrate the deepest parts of our being and transform our lives.
"The LORD Our God Is One Lord": Monotheism and Unity
Following the imperative to "Hear," the Shema immediately declares the foundational truth of God's nature:
The LORD our God is one LORD:
In a world steeped in polytheism, where nations worshipped countless deities representing various aspects of nature or human experience, this declaration was revolutionary. It asserted the absolute uniqueness and singular sovereignty of the God of Israel. The Hebrew word for "one" here is "echad," which denotes a compound unity, not a solitary singularity. While it unequivocally declares the singular nature of God in contrast to pagan multiplicities, it also allows for the later revelation of the Trinity—one God existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—without contradiction. The emphasis, however, remains on God's indivisible essence and His exclusive claim to worship and allegiance. This truth is central to biblical faith: there is only one true God, and He alone is worthy of our adoration. This profound statement of monotheism demands an exclusive devotion, leaving no room for divided loyalties or the worship of idols, whether graven images or the idols of the heart.
"Love the LORD Thy God": The Great Commandment
The immediate and logical response to understanding God's singular identity is profound love:
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
This verse encapsulates what Jesus Himself identified as the first and great commandment (Matthew 22:37-38; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). The love commanded here is not a mere sentiment or fleeting emotion, but an active, all-encompassing commitment of one's entire being. It is a love that involves:
- All thine heart: This refers to the inner self, the seat of emotions, will, intellect, and moral choices. It means loving God with our deepest affections, our thoughts, and our desires.
- All thy soul: This encompasses our life, our very being, our vitality. It implies dedicating our existence and purpose to God.
- All thy might: This speaks to our strength, resources, possessions, and abilities. It means loving God with everything we have and all that we are capable of.
This holistic love is the only fitting response to the God who is one, unique, and utterly sovereign. It demands that God be the preeminent object of our affection, our supreme priority, and the ultimate purpose of our lives. When our love for God is truly complete, it naturally flows into obedience and a desire to please Him in all things.
"Teach Them Diligently": Passing on the Truth
The Shema does not conclude with a personal declaration of faith and love; it extends into a clear mandate for the transmission of these truths to future generations. The passage continues:
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
Before one can teach, one must first internalize. The words of God must dwell deeply within the heart of the parent, the teacher, the believer. Only from an overflowing heart can genuine instruction flow. Once internalized, the command is clear:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
The teaching is to be "diligently," meaning earnestly, persistently, and repeatedly. It's not a one-time lesson but a continuous, integrated part of daily life. The contexts specified – "when thou sittest in thine house" (at home), "when thou walkest by the way" (during travel or everyday activities), "when thou liest down" (at bedtime), and "when thou risest up" (in the morning) – emphasize that spiritual instruction is not confined to formal settings or specific times. It is to permeate every aspect of family life, becoming a natural part of conversation and experience. This holistic approach ensures that children are immersed in the truths of God from their earliest days.
Furthermore, the Shema instructs the people to create constant visual reminders of God's word:
And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.
These instructions, while leading to practices like phylacteries (tefillin) and mezuzahs in Jewish tradition, serve a deeper spiritual purpose. They symbolize the constant presence of God's Word in one's actions (hand), thoughts (eyes), and home life. The purpose is not mere ritual, but a perpetual reminder to live out God's commandments in every sphere of existence and to prompt ongoing discussion and meditation on His truth. For believers today, this translates into making God's Word central to our homes, our conversations, and our daily routines, ensuring that our lives are openly marked by our devotion to Him.
Conclusion
The Shema, "Hear, O Israel," stands as a timeless and powerful declaration of faith. It is a profound call to understand and acknowledge the singular, unique nature of God—the LORD our God is one LORD. This understanding then necessitates a total, unwavering love for Him, encompassing our entire being: heart, soul, and might. Finally, this deeply personal faith is not to remain private but must be diligently transmitted to the next generation, woven into the fabric of daily life and visibly demonstrated through our actions and environments. The Shema is not merely an ancient prayer; it is a living mandate for every believer, calling us to hear, to believe, to love, and to live out the truth of the One True God, ensuring that His kingdom and His word endure from generation to generation.