Deuteronomy:6

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* Verse 1-3 - In this and the like passages , the "commandments " seem to denote the moral law , the "statues " the ceremonial law , and the "judgments " the law by which the judges decided . Moses taught the people all that , and that only , which God commanded him to teach . Thus Christ 's ministers are to teach his churches all he has commanded , neither more nor less , Matthew strkjv @28:20 . The fear of God in the heart will be the most powerful principle of obedience . It is highly desirable that not we only , but our children , and our children 's children , may fear the Lord . Religion and righteousness advance and secure the prosperity of any people . mhcc @Deuteronomy:6:4 ,5 @ Verse 4 ,5 - Here is a brief summary of religion , containing the first principles of faith and obedience . Jehovah our God is the only living and true God ; he only is God , and he is but One God . Let us not desire to have any other . The three-fold mention of the Divine names , and the plural number of the word translated God , seem plainly to intimate a Trinity of persons , even in this express declaration of the unity of the Godhead . Happy those who have this one Lord for their God . It is better to have one fountain than a thousand cisterns ; one all-sufficient God than a thousand insufficient friends . This is the first and great commandment of God 's law , that we love him ; and that we do all parts of our duty to him from a principle of love ; My son , give me thine heart . We are to love God with all our heart , and soul , and might . That is , 1 . With a sincere love ; not in word and tongue only , but inwardly in truth . 2 . With a strong love . He that is our All , must have our all , and none but he . 3 . With a superlative love ; we must love God above any creature whatever , and love nothing but what we love for him . 4 . With an intelligent love . To love him with all the heart , and with all the understanding , we must see good cause to love him . 5 . With an entire love ; he is ONE , our hearts must be united in his love . Oh that this love of God may be shed abroad in our hearts ! * Verse 6-16 - Here are means for maintaining and keeping up religion in our hearts and houses . 1 . Meditation . God 's words must be laid up in our hearts , that our thoughts may be daily employed about them . 2 . The religious education of children . Often repeat these things to them . Be careful and exact in teaching thy children . Teach these truths to all who are any way under thy care . 3 . Pious discourse . Thou shalt talk of these things with due reverence and seriousness , for the benefit not only of thy children , but of thy servants , thy friends and companions . Take all occasions to discourse with those about thee , not of matters of doubtful disputation , but of the plain truths and laws of God , and the things that belong to our peace . 4 . Frequent reading of the word . God appointed them to write sentences of the law upon their walls , and in scrolls of parchment to be worn about their wrists . This seems to have been binding in the letter of it to the Jews , as it is to us in the intent of it ; which is , that we should by all means make the word of God familiar to us ; that we may have it ready to use upon all occasions , to restrain us from sin , and direct us in duty . We must never be ashamed to own our religion , nor to own ourselves under its check and government . Here is a caution not to forget God in a day of prosperity and plenty . When they came easily by the gift , they would be apt to grow secure , and unmindful of the Giver . Therefore be careful , when thou liest safe and soft , lest thou forget the Lord . When the world smiles , we are apt to make court to it , and expect our happiness in it , and so we forget Him who is our only portion and rest . There is need of great care and caution at such a time . Then beware ; being warned of your danger , stand upon your guard . Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God ; neither by despairing of his power and goodness , while we keep in the way of our duty ; nor by presuming upon it , when we turn aside out of that way . * Verse 17-25 - Moses gives charge to keep God 's commandments . Negligence will ruin us ; but we cannot be saved without diligence . It is our interest , as well as our duty , to be religious . It will be our life . Godliness has the promise of the continuance and comfort of the life that now is , as far as it is for God 's glory . It will be our righteousness . It is only through the Mediator we can be righteous before God . The knowledge of the spirituality and excellency of the holy law of God , is suited to show sinful man his need of a Saviour , and to prepare his heart to welcome a free salvation . The gospel honours the law , not only in the perfect obedience of the Son of God , the Lord Jesus Christ ; but in that it is a plan for bringing back apostate rebels and enemies , by repentance , faith , forgiveness , and renewing grace , to love God above all things , even in this world ; and in the world above , to love him perfectly , even as angels love him . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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