Deuteronomy 6 is one of, if not the greatest family teaching texts in all of the Bible. It is the primary construct upon which a family should be built. Moses opens the construct with these words, “now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it…” There are three foundational elements in this verse alone which are key in the analysis before us, the Commandments, the Statutes and the Judgments.
Commandments are of unique importance to our theme. They are outer orations that build inner discipline. A Commandment, tsaw-vaw in the Hebrew mean to constitute, enjoin, appoint, bid or to give a charge. Other biblical references, with commanding implications, give rise to the definitions above ~ Deut. 11:18; 32:46; Ps. 37:31; 40:8; 119:11, 98; Prov. 3:3; and Isa.51:7.
Secondly, let us consider the Statutes. It is the middle injunction to be adhered to. It seems to connect Commandments and Judgments and allows them to pivot upon it. Statutes, Khoke in the Hebrew, suggests an enactment of rules and regulations, hence an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage) that should be followed.
Thirdly, Judgments round out our analysis of learning and loving of the family. Mish-pawt’ in the Hebrew, it suggests favorable or unfavorable judicial decrees. It is a tremendous benefit for you to read this entire 6th Chapter, read it in one of the contemporary English versions. The instruction carry blessings your family will greatly benefit from.
Our times are moving so swift, we need strong and enabling inspiration anchoring us. Recent storms and tornadoes in North Carolina and 6 other states serve as great examples. One moment life was normal, then a few minutes later, life in the abnormal. Do you have a consistent relationship with your family members and friends that can help you in these swiftly transitioning periods?
Practical Commandments are needed today, proper practical statutes with empowering judgments will gives us insights for wisdom. It is in these judgments that our discipline is found. The lack of this discipline will demoralize us. Without them, persons have a difficult time adjusting to the abnormal. Resulting in the proliferating factors of anger, assessing blame and without foundation, making wrong decisions in search for a new answer. We see these traits in the political, social and economic scene today, not only in the USA, but throughout the world. The pictures of Egypt, Yemen, Libya and other African and Middle Eastern countries are examples.
I believe we need the pure understanding of commandments which build individual covenants with God and give rise to family unity and the true unity which build communities. I believe we also need statutes which keeps us stable in times when we face the abnormal. We then need judicious judgments that has a relearning factor attached. This triad revolves around the learning and loving of God in each of us. We begin to see Him and the him and her of our biological and societal families, Dr. Martin Luther King called it “The Beloved Community”.
Would you take time during this Month to do at least Five Things Which will enhance your household and community?
1. Make Deuteronomy 6 Your Reading For the Month!
2. Configure the 25 Verses to be completed by the end of the Month and coordinate activities to mirror biological and community enhancements.
3. Take a neighbor or neighborhood family out to lunch or dinner.
4. Rid the month of Commandment, Statutes and Judgment breakers.
5. Discuss the verses and determine to adhere to their correction.
God Bless you and let’s have a great month of
Learning and Loving!