Pious Jews are very committed to the Shema, and they hope that these Biblical verses are the last words they speak before they die. Then, the Bible also says to “bind them upon our hands” and “establish them as a frontlet between our eyes.” While this concept is foreign to Christians, many Jews to pray in this manner. It is not uncommon for the Jewish people to display the words of the Lord in their dwelling places. We are encouraged to even make them tactile by reciting them and committing them to memory. After the challenge to listen, we also hear the command to obey and to act on the words spoken. These words are based on the scripture Deuteronomy 6:4-9. I am Adonai, your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am Adonai your God.” “Thus, you shall remember to observe all My commandments and to be holy to your God. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let them serve as a symbol on your forehead Inscribe them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. “Recite them when you stay at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up. Take to heart these instructions with which I charge you this day. “You shall love Adonai your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. This is also the beginning of the V’ahavta (And you shall love) prayer, which is recited immediately after the Shema prayer in synagogue services. This is an encouragement to take action on the words which were just spoken. We see this principle in action when Moses tells the people that they should “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deut. So always let his Word become like poetry written and fulfilled by your life!” (The Passion Translation) “ Don’t just listen to the Word of Truth and not respond to it, for that is the essence of self-deception. James 1:22 perfectly echoes this sentiment by imploring us with these words: He’s saying, “live these words, embody them, fulfill with all your being and with all that you’ve got”. Moses isn’t just telling the people, “hey, listen up!” (although it’s certainly part of it!). In Hebrew, “hearing” and “obeying” are essentially one in the same. Not simply to hear and do nothing or listen and then forget – “in one ear and out the other.” Quite the opposite. It is a call to action, to listen AND obey. It is also listening, heeding and obeying. Nevertheless, hearing is not just listening with one’s ears. Which is taking heed, being obedient, and moreover doing what is asked. In Hebrew, the word “shema” means hearing but also the effect of it. Nor does it help us to internalize its meaning. Many translations of Deuteronomy 6:4 use “hear” for the word shema. However, the English understanding of “hear” doesn’t quite do this Hebrew word justice. Divided allegiance could be a huge threat to Israel’s future, therefore Moses lays the foundation with this guiding truth. It is made absolutely clear to the people that loyalty to, obedience of and love for their one true God is the only way from here on out. From their early days in Canaan, through many years in Egypt, to the 40 years wandering the wilderness, they have been enclosed by polytheistic cultures. The Israelites have a significant history of being surrounded by people worshipping many different gods. To begin, Moses specifically declares that there is one God and one God only. These covenantal words weren’t issued solely for the Israelites for one moment of history they are for all God’s children throughout all time. The words of the Shema likewise set us up for success. He says in verse 3: “so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly”. He won’t continue into the Promised Land with them, so he’s doing his part to set the people up for success. It establishes a protocol for how the Israelites were to live and interact with each other and with God. This context is key, because Moses’ speech sets the groundwork. The people were about to enter into the Promised Land. Claiming the Inheritance with the Shema Prayer
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |