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
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