”Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Deuteronomy 6:4New International Version (NIV)
Deuteronomy 6:4 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
The Lord our God, the Lord is one
In Deuteronomy 6:4, Moses began with a call to the Israelites saying, “Hear, O Israel!”, and ended with the declaration “The Lord our God, the Lord is one“. And this verse is an essential declaration of the faith of the Jews because it forms part of the daily worship called “Shema” – this is the Hebrew verb that is translated as “hear”.
Additionally, “Shema” is a prayer composed of selected phrases from Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21; and Numbers 15:37-41. This is the prayer that was to be offered every day. And it is often the first section of Scripture that a Jewish child learns.
Furthermore, Deuteronomy 6:4-5 outlines one of the central themes of the book of Deuteronomy, thus, interpreting the meaning of the first commandment.
The Lord our God
The statement, “The Lord our God”, emphasizes God’s uniqueness and describes His covenant relationship with Israel. Because, even though other nations and people groups served and worshiped other gods, the Israelites were to recognize the Lord alone as their God.
Therefore, Israel was to display an undivided love and loyalty to God because He alone was their God.
The Lord is one
Moses also told Israel that the Lord their God was one. And the Hebrew word translated as “one” is echad, which means “unity”, not “singularity”.
Therefore, Deuteronomy 6:4 does not contradict the doctrine of the Trinity. It affirms the same.
Love the Lord your God
Consequently, Moses commanded Israel to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deuteronomy 6:5). No wonder, the book of Deuteronomy speaks of Israel’s love for God in the context of the covenant that He established with them at Mount Sinai.
Moreover, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, the servant was required to love his ruler with all his heart. And the ruler required loyalty and love from his servant.
Therefore, Israel was required to love God. And God required loyalty and love from them.
Similarly, you are required to love God. And He requires your loyalty and love.
Additionally, your love for God should include an expression of obedience to His precepts (Deuteronomy 10:12; 11:1; and 30:16). Your love was to be the appropriate response to God because He alone is God.
Prayer/Blessing
Lord God, Your Word says that You are One. And I believe that You are One.
I, therefore, take this opportunity to pledge my loyalty and love to You alone. And this is my humble pledge in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Romans 1-3 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
