Deuteronomy / Question
Deuteronomy says these words should be on the heart and taught “diligently” to children in everyday life Deuteronomy 6:6–7. It also tells Israel not to forget what they saw at Horeb and to make it known to their children and grandchildren Deuteronomy 4:9–10. The emphasis is on remembering and passing on what the LORD said and did.
In Deuteronomy 6:4–7 Moses calls Israel to listen to a central confession about Yahweh and to respond with total love. The passage moves from who Yahweh is for Israel, to what Israel must do: love him with the whole self. These verses sit within Moses’ extended address urging Israel to live faithfully as they prepare to enter the land. Just before this, the people have heard the core commands again and are told to fear Yahweh and keep his commands through generations (Deuteronomy 6:1–3).
Deuteronomy 6:4–7 presents a core confession that shapes Israel’s identity and loyalty: Israel must listen, recognize Yahweh as “our God,” and hold that Yahweh is “one” (explicit). The passage ties this confession directly to a response: Israel is to love Yahweh with the whole self—“heart, soul, might” (explicit).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with Deuteronomy 6:6-7, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
6These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart;
7and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.