In Deuteronomy 6 Moses continues to remind the people of the commandments of God. Note that the name of the Lord has changed to the LORD your God. This indicates that a different writer is responsible for this book. As I said in an earlier blog this book was most likely written by the priests who were in exile. They were trying to put together the Law for the people in exile. It contains remembrances of the past and hope for the future based upon God’s faithfulness.

Moses emphasizes remembering and teaching the commandments to future generations. Verses 4 and 5 contain the words Jesus called the greatest commandment. ^“Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone.You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.” The first part of this commandment is called the Shema which means “hear”. Moses instructs the people to memorize these words, to repeat them often during the day, to wear them on their hand and forehead, and to put them on the doorpost of their houses. They are a reminder that God alone is worthy of our worship and obedience. Every part of our being: our desires, our beliefs, our thoughts, and our actions are to be expressions of our love for Him.

In Deuteronomy 7 Moses orders the people to destroy all those who inhabit the land they are about to enter. They are not to enter into a covenant with them or intermarry with them. The people are also to destroy all vestiges of the religions these strangers practice. They are to keep themselves pure: physically and spiritually.

If the people keep the commandments of the Lord their God, He will bless them in all that they do. He will keep them safe and well.

Psalm 33 is a song of praise. The righteous have every reason to praise God. Their praise is to be loud and melodious.

God loves the righteous and justice and blesses those whom He chooses. Deliverance and victory come to those who hope not in their own power and strength, but in His steadfast love