This chapter is staggering in its scope. It's main theme is loving YHWH, the god who is ONE, and obeying the Law out of a respect for his covenant relationship with Israel (6.1-9). Again there is a focus on passing the Law on to ones children, which feels so right each day that I read this book to Sienna as she swings and listens and laughs (even at parts that aren't funny-- like the killing of innocent women and children). I get a sense that doing this, this relational-sharing of Scripture, is a part of what God wanted from ancient Israel and also from his people today. To breathe in Scripture, to talk about, to allow it to have a place among us as His people. This is part of how the covenant people show appreciation for YHWH, for his calling them to be his ONE people for the good of the world. One god, one people of God. Monotheism and Election tied together in this wonderful chapter by a command to love God with everything a person has to offer: all of our heart, all of our soul and all of our strength (v.5).
The warning in the chapter is not to forget (v.12). This is important, in fact some believe it is the reason the Torah (the teachings, the law, specifically the first five books of the Bible) was written---to remind. To remind Israel that she was not to forget what YHWH had done for her---under any circumstances. God was the one who provided for her and gave her life (v.11-12). Her appreciation was to express itself thorugh covenant faithfulness and a committment not to worship the idols of the pagan world around her. How important this is for us today as well? That we don't forget who gives us life and food and who asks us to be faitfhul in our worship--in our living and moving and breathing out of appreciation for His provision. Lest we forget which we often do.
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