Deuteronomy 6: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 6 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Yahweh commands the Israelites to teach His statutes and ordinances so they may obey them in the land they will possess (vv. 1-3). The Shema declares the oneness of Yahweh and commands the Israelites to love Him wholly with their hearts, souls, and might (vv.

Key verse

“Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God. Yahweh is one. You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 6:1–3 The Call to Obey God's Commandments
Deuteronomy 6:4–9 The Shema: Declaration of Faith
Deuteronomy 6:10–12 Warning Against Forgetting God
Deuteronomy 6:13–19 Fear and Serve the Lord
Deuteronomy 6:20–24 Teaching Future Generations
Deuteronomy 6:25 Righteousness through Obedience

Discussion questions

In v5, what does it mean to love Yahweh your God with all your 'heart'?
What does the phrase 'land flowing with milk and honey' in v3 suggest about God's promises?
In vv. 20-23, what does the father's response to his son about Egypt tell us about their history?
In v15, why does the text describe Yahweh as a 'jealous God' in relation to other gods?
When have you found it difficult to remember 'Yahweh' during times of prosperity in your life?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 6: Deuteronomy 4, Mark 12, Matthew 4.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 7.