What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 6:20? In the future God anticipates life beyond the immediate moment. His people are to think generationally: • Deuteronomy 4:9: “Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen… Teach them to your children and grandchildren.” • Psalm 78:6-7 explains why: “that the next generation might come to know them… so that they should put their confidence in God.” By looking ahead, the verse calls parents to prepare today for the spiritual questions of tomorrow. Obedience is never meant to be a private, one-time experience; it is a legacy. when your son asks Questions are welcomed, even expected. A child’s curiosity becomes the doorway for discipleship. Notice similar scenes: • Exodus 12:26-27: “When your children ask, ‘What does this service mean to you?’ you are to reply…” • Joshua 4:6-7: the stones from the Jordan were set up “so that when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ … you can tell them…” The pattern shows that homes, not just assemblies, are the first classrooms of faith. Parents answer, not silence, sincere inquiry. What is the meaning The child does not merely want to know “what” to do but “why” to do it. Scripture affirms the importance of giving reasons: • Deuteronomy 10:12-13: “And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you… to keep the commandments… for your own good.” • 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you.” Explaining meaning guards against hollow ritual and anchors obedience in relationship and gratitude. of the decrees and statutes and ordinances The verse bundles three terms to underline the fullness of God’s instruction—civil, moral, ceremonial. Every sphere of life is addressed. Note: • Deuteronomy 5:1: “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and ordinances I proclaim… Learn them and put them into practice.” • Psalm 19:7-9: “The law of the LORD is perfect… the statutes of the LORD are trustworthy… the ordinances of the LORD are sure.” The comprehensive scope shows that God’s wisdom is not fragmented; it forms a coherent, life-shaping whole. that the LORD our God has commanded you? Authority is personal—rooted in “the LORD,” covenantal—“our God,” and direct—“has commanded you.” Therefore: • Exodus 20:2: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Redemption grounds His right to rule. • Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your God…” Love and obedience are inseparable (John 14:15: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”). By invoking covenant language, Moses reminds parents that they steward commands given first to them, now to be relayed faithfully. summary Deuteronomy 6:20 pictures a future conversation where a child’s question opens the door to recount God’s mighty acts and explain His comprehensive commands. Parents are to live today with tomorrow’s questions in mind, ready to give thoughtful, loving answers that connect obedience to redemption and relationship. In this way each generation is invited into the same covenant story, ensuring that God’s truth and grace are never assumed but always clearly, joyfully proclaimed. |
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