Deuteronomy 6:20

Deuteronomy 6:20 anticipates a crucial moment in the life of the Israelite family: when a child, observing the practices and laws of their parents, asks for understanding. This verse is part of a larger section (Deuteronomy 6:1-25) where Moses, on the cusp of the Israelites entering the Promised Land, reiterates the fundamental importance of teaching God's commands to the next generation.

Context

This verse directly follows the famous "Shema" in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which calls Israel to love the LORD their God with all their heart, soul, and might. Moses emphasizes that these commands are not merely for the current generation but must be diligently taught to their children, "when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up" (Deuteronomy 6:7). Verse 20 highlights the natural outcome of such a life of obedience and instruction: the children's curiosity about the meaning and purpose of God's laws.

Key Themes

• Intergenerational Faith Transmission: The verse underscores the divine expectation that parents will actively engage in the spiritual education of their children, preparing them to respond to their questions. This ensures the continuity of the covenant relationship.
• Curiosity as an Opportunity: The son's question is not a challenge but an anticipated opportunity for parents to explain the depth and significance of their faith and the Lord's commands.
• The Nature of God's Commands: The inquiry specifically mentions "the testimonies, and the statutes, and the judgments." These terms collectively refer to the full body of God's revealed law, encompassing His declarations, decrees, and just ordinances. They are not arbitrary rules but expressions of God's character and His covenant with His people.
• Covenant Education: The parents' response (detailed in subsequent verses, Deuteronomy 6:21-25) will link the commands directly to God's redemptive acts, particularly the deliverance from Egypt, establishing a historical and theological foundation for their obedience.

Linguistic Insights

The three terms used by the son—"testimonies," "statutes," and "judgments"—are significant:

• Testimonies (Hebrew: 'edot): Refers to divine declarations or reminders of God's will and covenant, often pointing to the moral law or general principles.
• Statutes (Hebrew: chuqqim): Denotes established decrees or fixed principles, often ceremonial or ritual laws, but also broader ordinances.
• Judgments (Hebrew: mishpatim): Pertains to judicial decisions or regulations, focusing on civil and moral justice, and how people are to live rightly with one another.

Together, these terms cover the comprehensive nature of God's law, emphasizing that every aspect of life falls under His divine guidance.

Practical Application

Deuteronomy 6:20 remains profoundly relevant for families today. It challenges parents and spiritual mentors to:

1. Live a Consistent Faith: Our actions and adherence to God's Word should be evident enough to provoke questions from the next generation.
2. Anticipate and Welcome Questions: See children's curiosity not as an interruption but as a divine appointment to impart spiritual truth.
3. Explain the "Why": Don't just teach rules, but explain the loving, redemptive character of God behind them. Our obedience is a response to His grace and faithfulness, as exemplified in the Passover instruction in Exodus 12:26-27.
4. Make Faith Relatable: Connect biblical truths to personal experience and God's ongoing work in the world.

This verse is a timeless reminder that faithful parenting involves both instruction and explanation, fostering a deep understanding and love for God's ways across generations.