The Shema

The Shema, taken from Deuteronomy 6:4-9, is one of the most fundamental and revered passages in Judaism. The passage is often recited as a declaration of the oneness of God and serves as a central statement of faith. Here's an exegesis of the Shema:

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (KJV)

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

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.

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy 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.”

Exegesis:

1. "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD"

   • "Hear" (Hebrew: Shema) is a call to listen attentively, not merely hearing with the ears but understanding with the heart and obeying.
   • "O Israel" addresses the people of Israel, making this a covenantal declaration.
   • "The LORD our God is one LORD" declares the monotheistic belief central to the Jewish faith. The word "LORD" (YHWH) refers to the personal, covenant-keeping God of Israel, and the phrase "one LORD" emphasizes the unique, singular nature of God. This is not only a statement of belief but an assertion that Israel's God is incomparable and indivisible.

2. "And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

   • This command underscores the totality of devotion required from God's people.
   • "Heart" refers to the seat of emotions, will, and intellect.
   • "Soul" (Hebrew: nephesh) refers to the entire being, the inner self.
   • "Might" (Hebrew: me'od) refers to the fullest extent of strength, resources, and effort.
   • The call to love God with all of one's being emphasizes the holistic nature of devotion—God desires complete loyalty and love in every aspect of life.

3. "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart."

   • The "words" refers to the commandments of God, emphasizing that they should not only be known intellectually but also ingrained in the believer’s heart, reflecting an internalization of God's will.

4. "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."

   • "Teach them diligently" indicates a careful, ongoing instruction in God's commandments.
   • This command is not limited to formal instruction but suggests that the teachings of God should permeate daily life.
   • "When thou sittest" and "when thou walkest" points to teaching both in quiet moments (sitting at home) and in active moments (walking along the way).
   • "When thou liest down" and "when thou risest up" indicates that the love for God should be reflected at all times, from the start of the day to its end.

5. "And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thy hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes."

   • This speaks to the physical reminders of God's commandments.
   • "Sign upon thy hand" refers to the practice of wearing phylacteries (small boxes containing scripture) on the arm, symbolizing that all actions should be guided by God's law.
   • "Frontlets between thine eyes" refers to the practice of wearing another set of phylacteries on the forehead, signifying that one's thoughts should be continually directed by God’s commands.

6. "And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates."

   • This refers to the mezuzah, a parchment inscribed with scriptures, often placed on the doorposts of Jewish homes.
   • The command indicates that God's law should be ever-present in one's living environment, serving as a constant reminder of the covenant and the commandments.

Theological and Practical Implications:

1. Monotheism and the Nature of God:
   The Shema reaffirms the central truth of Judaism: there is but one God. This monotheistic declaration was revolutionary in its context, setting Israel apart from polytheistic cultures. It stresses God's uniqueness and exclusivity in the lives of His people.

2. Loving God Completely:
   The command to love God with all of one’s heart, soul, and might teaches that true love for God encompasses every part of the person—emotionally, intellectually, physically, and spiritually. This love is not passive but active, requiring a conscious, deliberate engagement with God in every aspect of life.

3. The Importance of Instruction:
   The Shema emphasizes the role of parents in nurturing faith, particularly in teaching children the ways of God. It suggests that the spiritual education of the next generation is vital and must be integrated into everyday life, showing that faith is not just for formal religious settings but for all of life.

4. Constant Reminders:
   The practice of wearing phylacteries and posting scriptures on doorways highlights the importance of constant reminders of God’s commands. This outward symbolism reflects the inward reality of a life dedicated to God.

5. Covenantal Relationship:
   The Shema’s central message is not just about knowledge of God but about living in relationship with God. It calls for total allegiance and obedience to the God of Israel, and this relationship shapes every aspect of a believer’s life, both individually and communally.

In the broader context of the Bible, the Shema represents a foundational declaration of faith, as Jesus later affirms its importance in the New Testament, specifically in Mark 12:29-30, when He cites the Shema as the greatest commandment, reinforcing its centrality in the life of a believer.

Thus, the Shema is not only a declaration of belief but also a guide for how one should live in response to God's love and sovereignty. It calls believers to internalize God's word, teach it to others, and live it out through every action and thought.