◄ Deuteronomy 6:2 ►
so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged.
Study Bible
so that you and your children and grandchildren

Israel’s covenant faithfulness was to extend beyond one generation. Moses called parents and grandparents to preserve the knowledge of God within their households, preparing each generation to serve the LORD. Deuteronomy 6:6–9 later commands God’s words to be taught diligently in daily life. Proverbs 22:6 likewise recognizes the enduring influence of godly instruction.

Deu 4:9 Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves…
Deu 11:19 Teach them to your children, speaking about them…
Psa 78:5-7 For He established a testimony in Jacob,…

may fear the LORD your God

Fear of the LORD involves reverent submission to His holiness, authority, and covenant faithfulness. Israel had seen His power in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and at Sinai; therefore, worship and obedience were the fitting response. Such fear is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) and guards God’s people from idolatry and rebellion.

Deu 10:12 And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you…
Deu 13:4 You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him.…
Jos 24:14 Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him…

all the days of your lives

Covenant devotion was not limited to moments of crisis, public worship, or a single season of life. The LORD required enduring faithfulness from His people as they entered and lived in the promised land. Believers are likewise called to run with perseverance, fixing their eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Deu 4:10 The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb,…
Psa 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me…
Psa 27:4 One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire:…

by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you,

God’s commands gave Israel a holy pattern for life among the nations. Obedience did not earn their redemption, for the LORD had already delivered them from Egypt; it demonstrated trust, gratitude, and loyalty to the God who had redeemed them. Jesus similarly taught that love for Him is shown through obedience to His commands (John 14:15).

Deu 8:1 You must carefully follow every commandment…
Jos 1:7-8 Above all, be strong and very courageous.…
1Ki 2:3 And keep the charge of the LORD your God to walk in His ways…

and so that your days may be prolonged.

Long life in the land was part of God’s covenant blessing for obedient Israel. Deuteronomy repeatedly connects obedience with security, fruitfulness, and continued possession of the land, while rebellion brought judgment and exile. The promise reveals God’s desire that His people flourish under His righteous rule.

Deu 4:40 Keep His statutes and commandments, which I am giving you…
Deu 11:9 and so that you may live long in the land…
Exo 20:12 Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and commandments to the Israelites.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, receiving the law as they prepare to enter the Promised Land.

3. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who commands reverence and obedience.

4. Promised Land
The land of Canaan, which the Israelites are about to enter and possess.

5. Generations (Children and Grandchildren)
Emphasizes the importance of passing down the fear of the LORD and His commandments through family lineage.
Teaching Points
Fear of the LORD as a Foundation
The Hebrew word for "fear" (yare) implies reverence and awe. This foundational attitude towards God is crucial for a life of obedience and blessing.

Generational Responsibility
The verse underscores the importance of teaching God's commandments to future generations. Parents and grandparents have a duty to instill a reverence for God in their descendants.

Obedience and Blessing
The promise of prolonged days is tied to obedience. Living according to God's statutes brings about His blessings, both spiritually and physically.

Holistic Living
The call to keep all statutes and commandments suggests a comprehensive approach to life, where every aspect is governed by God's word.

Legacy of Faith
The verse encourages believers to think about the legacy they are leaving. A life lived in fear of the LORD impacts not just the individual but also their family and community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of "fearing the LORD" influence your daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can you actively teach and model God's commandments to the next generation in your family or community?

3. Reflect on a time when obedience to God's statutes resulted in a tangible blessing in your life. How did this experience strengthen your faith?

4. How can you ensure that your life reflects a holistic obedience to God's word, covering all areas of your life?

5. What steps can you take to leave a legacy of faith for your children and grandchildren, ensuring they understand the importance of fearing the LORD?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20
The giving of the Ten Commandments, which are foundational to the statutes mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:2.

Proverbs 9:10
Highlights the fear of the LORD as the beginning of wisdom, connecting to the reverence mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:2.

Ephesians 6:1-3
Paul reiterates the commandment to honor parents, promising a long life, similar to the promise of prolonged days in Deuteronomy 6:2.

Psalm 78:5-7
Emphasizes teaching God's laws to the next generation, aligning with the call to instruct children and grandchildren in Deuteronomy 6:2.
Sermons
Descending ObligationsJ. Orr Deuteronomy 6:2
Obedience the End of LawD. Davies Deuteronomy 6:1-3
The Essence of the Decalogue is LoveR.M. Edgar Deuteronomy 6:1-5
People
Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Pharaoh
Places
Beth-baal-peor, Egypt, Massah
Topics
Command, Commanding, Commandments, Commands, Decrees, Enjoy, Fear, Grandson, Keeping, Laws, Mayest, Mayst, Mightest, Orders, Prolonged, Son's, Statutes
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Deuteronomy 6:2

     9130   future, the

Deuteronomy 6:1-2

     5276   crime

Deuteronomy 6:1-3

     1335   blessing
     5103   Moses, significance
     6703   peace, divine OT
     8404   commands, in OT

Deuteronomy 6:1-8

     8315   orthodoxy, in OT

Deuteronomy 6:2-7

     5376   law, purpose of

Library
Home-Education.
SECTION I. THE CHARACTER OF HOME EDUCATION. "Scratch the green rind of a sapling, or wantonly twist it in the soil, The scarred and crooked oak will tell of thee for centuries to come; Wherefore, though the voice of instruction waiteth for the ear of reason, Yet with his mother's milk the young child drinketh education." We come now to consider one of the most important features of the Christian home, viz., as a school for the education of character. This is important because of its vital bearing …
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home

The Unity of God
Q-5: ARE THERE MORE GODS THAN ONE? A: There is but one only, the living and true God. That there is a God has been proved; and those that will not believe the verity of his essence, shall feel the severity of his wrath. Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.' Deut 6:6. He is the only God.' Deut 4:49. Know therefore this day, and consider it in thy heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath, there is none else.' A just God and a Saviour; there is none beside …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Real Nature and Purpose of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: A large and complex library] Turning from the Jewish and mediaeval traditions and theories which so easily beset us, we ask, What is the real nature of the Old Testament as it is revealed in this new and clearer light? The first conclusion is that it is a library containing a large and complex literature, recording the varied experiences, political, social, ethical, and religious, of the Israelitish race. The fact that it is a library consisting of many different books is recognized …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Love
The rule of obedience being the moral law, comprehended in the Ten Commandments, the next question is: What is the sum of the Ten Commandments? The sum of the Ten Commandments is, to love the Lord our God with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our strength, and with all our mind, and our neighbour as ourselves. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.' Deut 6: 5. The duty called for is love, yea, the strength of love, with all …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

Twelfth Sunday after Trinity Gospel Transcends Law.
Text: 2 Corinthians 3, 4-11. 4 And such confidence have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God; 6 who also made us sufficient as ministers of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. 7 But if the ministration of death, written, and engraven on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look stedfastly upon …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned
'But when the Pharisees had heard that He had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35. Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him, and saying, 36. Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37. Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38. This is the first and great commandment. 39. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40. …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Parable of the Good Samaritan.
(Probably Judæa.) ^C Luke X. 25-37. ^c 25 And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and made trial of him, saying, Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [For the term lawyer see pp. 313, 314, The lawyer wished to make trial of the skill of Jesus in solving the intricate and difficult question as to how to obtain salvation. Jesus was probably teaching in some house or courtyard, and his habit of giving local color to his parables suggests that he was probably in or near Bethany, through …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is Neighbour to Us: the First, Concerning the Love That, Unasked, Gives in Our
THE period between Christ's return from the Feast of the Dedication' and His last entry into Jerusalem, may be arranged into two parts, divided by the brief visit to Bethany for the purpose of raising Lazarus from the dead. Even if it were possible, with any certainty, chronologically to arrange the events of each of these periods, the variety and briefness of what is recorded would prevent our closely following them in this narrative. Accordingly, we prefer grouping them together as the Parables …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Eclipse and Rediscovery of the Old Testament
[Sidenote: Jesus' study of the Old Testament] The opening chapters of the Gospels record only three or four meagre facts regarding the first thirty years of Jesus' life. The real history of those significant years ran so far beneath the surface of external events that it completely escaped the historian. The history of the mental and spiritual life of the Master is recorded in his mature character and teachings. The fugitive hints, however, vividly illustrate the supreme fact that he ever grew …
Charles Foster Kent—The Origin & Permanent Value of the Old Testament

Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian.
EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. These two short treatises were found among Mr. Bunyan's papers after his decease. They probably were intended for publication, like his 'Prison Meditations' and his 'Map of Salvation,' on a single page each, in the form of a broadside, or handbill. This was the popular mode in which tracts were distributed; and when posted against a wall, or framed and hung up in a room, they excited notice, and were extensively read. They might also have afforded some trifling profit to aid …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Meditations for Household Piety.
1. If thou be called to the government of a family, thou must not hold it sufficient to serve God and live uprightly in thy own person, unless thou cause all under thy charge to do the same with thee. For the performance of this duty God was so well pleased with Abraham, that he would not hide from him his counsel: "For," saith God, "I know him that he will command his sons and his household after him that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus

In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius Cæsar and under the Pontificate of Annas and Caiaphas - a Voice in the Wilderness
THERE is something grand, even awful, in the almost absolute silence which lies upon the thirty years between the Birth and the first Messianic Manifestation of Jesus. In a narrative like that of the Gospels, this must have been designed; and, if so, affords presumptive evidence of the authenticity of what follows, and is intended to teach, that what had preceded concerned only the inner History of Jesus, and the preparation of the Christ. At last that solemn silence was broken by an appearance, …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

On the Symbols of the Essence' and Coessential. '
We must look at the sense not the wording. The offence excited is at the sense; meaning of the Symbols; the question of their not being in Scripture. Those who hesitate only at coessential,' not to be considered Arians. Reasons why coessential' is better than like-in-essence,' yet the latter may be interpreted in a good sense. Explanation of the rejection of coessential' by the Council which condemned the Samosatene; use of the word by Dionysius of Alexandria; parallel variation in the use of Unoriginate; …
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

The Right Understanding of the Law
Thou shalt have no other Gods before me.' Exod 20: 3. Before I come to the commandments, I shall answer questions, and lay down rules respecting the moral law. What is the difference between the moral laud and the gospel? (1) The law requires that we worship God as our Creator; the gospel, that we worship him in and through Christ. God in Christ is propitious; out of him we may see God's power, justice, and holiness: in him we see his mercy displayed. (2) The moral law requires obedience, but gives …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

The Healing of the Woman - Christ's Personal Appearance - the Raising of Jairus' Daughter
THERE seems remarkable correspondence between the two miracles which Jesus had wrought on leaving Capernaum and those which He did on His return. In one sense they are complementary to each other. The stilling of the storm and the healing of the demonised were manifestations of the absolute power inherent in Christ; the recovery of the woman and the raising of Jairus' daughter, evidence of the absolute efficacy of faith. The unlikeliness of dominion over the storm, and of command over a legion of …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) ^A Matt. XXIII. 1-39; ^B Mark XII. 38-40; ^C Luke XX. 45-47. ^a 1 Then spake Jesus ^b 38 And in his teaching ^c in the hearing of all the people he said unto ^a the multitudes, and to his disciples [he spoke in the most public manner], 2 saying, ^c 46 Beware of the scribes, ^a The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat: 3 all things whatsoever they bid you, these do and observe: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Further Incidents of the Journey to Jerusalem - the Mission and Return of the Seventy - the Home at Bethany - Martha and Mary
ALTHOUGH, for the reasons explained in the previous chapter, the exact succession of events cannot be absolutely determined, it seems most likely, that it was on His progress southwards at this time that Jesus designated' [3870] those seventy' [3871] others,' who were to herald His arrival in every town and village. Even the circumstance, that the instructions to them are so similar to, and yet distinct from, those formerly given to the Twelve, seems to point to them as those from whom the Seventy …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Subjects of Study. Home Education in Israel; Female Education. Elementary Schools, Schoolmasters, and School Arrangements.
If a faithful picture of society in ancient Greece or Rome were to be presented to view, it is not easy to believe that even they who now most oppose the Bible could wish their aims success. For this, at any rate, may be asserted, without fear of gainsaying, that no other religion than that of the Bible has proved competent to control an advanced, or even an advancing, state of civilisation. Every other bound has been successively passed and submerged by the rising tide; how deep only the student …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Worship of the Synagogue
One of the most difficult questions in Jewish history is that connected with the existence of a synagogue within the Temple. That such a "synagogue" existed, and that its meeting-place was in "the hall of hewn stones," at the south-eastern angle of the court of the priest, cannot be called in question, in face of the clear testimony of contemporary witnesses. Considering that "the hall of hew stones" was also the meeting-place for the great Sanhedrim, and that not only legal decisions, but lectures …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

The Christian Home
Scripture references: Ephesians 6:1-9; 5:25-33; Colossians 3:17-25; 1 Corinthians 7:12-17; Mark 10:2-12; 7:9-13; 5:19; 1 Timothy 5:4; Luke 15:6; Titus 2:1-15; Exodus 20:12,17; Deuteronomy 6:1-9. THE HOME What is a Home?--It has been answered that, "It is the unit of society." It has also been pointed out that this unit must be kept clean, pure and right, in all its relations, or society and the state will suffer grave consequences. Certainly, in the past, the institutions of society and state have …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the Teaching of the Lord Concerning Purity - the Traditions Concerning Hand-Washing' and Vows. '
As we follow the narrative, confirmatory evidence of what had preceded springs up at almost every step. It is quite in accordance with the abrupt departure of Jesus from Capernaum, and its motives, that when, so far from finding rest and privacy at Bethsaida (east of the Jordan), a greater multitude than ever had there gathered around Him, which would fain have proclaimed Him King, He resolved on immediate return to the western shore, with the view of seeking a quieter retreat, even though it were …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
It would have been difficult to proceed far either in Galilee or in Judaea without coming into contact with an altogether peculiar and striking individuality, differing from all around, and which would at once arrest attention. This was the Pharisee. Courted or feared, shunned or flattered, reverently looked up to or laughed at, he was equally a power everywhere, both ecclesiastically and politically, as belonging to the most influential, the most zealous, and the most closely-connected religions …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

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