Deuteronomy 6:20 – “In the future, when your son asks you, ‘What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws the Lord our God has commanded you?’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Deuteronomy 6:20 emphasizes the importance of passing down the knowledge of God’s commandments to the next generation. Moses is preparing the Israelites for the time when their children will ask questions about their faith and the laws they follow. This verse encourages parents to be ready to explain the reasons behind God’s commands, highlighting the need to teach and train the next generation in the ways of the Lord.
This question from a future son symbolizes the natural curiosity of children as they grow up. They will want to know why their parents live differently, why they obey certain laws, and why their family follows God. Moses’ instruction implies that these questions are an opportunity to recount God’s faithfulness, His deliverance from Egypt, and His ongoing guidance. It’s not just about rules; it’s about remembering who God is and what He has done.
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 6:20 is set in the context of Moses’ final address to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. Moses is reminding the people that the laws given by God were meant to set them apart as His chosen people. These laws were given after God delivered them from slavery in Egypt, a miraculous rescue that defined their identity as a nation.
As they prepared to enter Canaan, Moses knew that the Israelites would face new challenges, including maintaining their distinct identity among other cultures. He foresaw a time when the younger generation, who had not experienced the Exodus firsthand, would need to understand why their parents followed God’s commands. This verse emphasizes the importance of telling the story of God’s faithfulness so that the next generation would continue to walk in His ways.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Deuteronomy 6:20 underscores the importance of teaching and discipleship within the family. Faith is not just a private matter but something that is meant to be shared and passed down. God’s commands were given not just for one generation but for all who would follow. This verse teaches that each generation has a responsibility to instruct the next, helping them understand God’s character, His laws, and His grace.
This verse also speaks to the value of remembering and recounting God’s works. The commands and laws were not given in isolation but were tied to God’s history with His people. By explaining the meaning behind the laws, parents help their children see that obedience to God is a response to His love and saving acts. It’s a reminder that God’s commands are part of a larger story of redemption.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Deuteronomy 6:20 uses the dialogue of a future child’s question to create a scenario that feels relatable and timeless. The question “What is the meaning of the stipulations, decrees and laws?” serves as an entry point for storytelling and teaching. This structure shows that faith is something to be explained and discussed, not just practiced without understanding.
The phrasing also implies that questions about faith are natural and should be welcomed. Rather than dismissing the questions of the young, Moses encourages engaging with them thoughtfully and using them as opportunities to teach about God’s faithfulness. This literary approach emphasizes the importance of communication and storytelling in preserving faith across generations.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:26-27 – “And when your children ask you, ‘What does this ceremony mean to you?’ then tell them, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord.’” This passage emphasizes the importance of explaining the meaning behind religious practices.
- Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” This verse reflects the call to teach the next generation about God’s works.
- Proverbs 22:6 – “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” This emphasizes the importance of early instruction in faith.
- Ephesians 6:4 – “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” This New Testament verse echoes the responsibility of parents to teach their children about God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Deuteronomy 6:20 serves as a reminder of the vital role of teaching and sharing faith within the family. It challenges parents and guardians to be prepared to answer questions about their faith, helping their children understand why they believe what they do. This verse encourages Christians to be intentional about passing on their faith, not just through rules but through stories of God’s faithfulness and love.
It’s a call to make faith an active, living conversation within the home, where questions are welcomed, and God’s truth is shared openly. This verse also encourages all believers, not just parents, to be ready to share the reasons for their faith with others. It’s about being prepared to explain how God’s commands are tied to His character and His care for His people.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Deuteronomy 6:20 shows that God’s desire is for every generation to know Him and His works. God’s commands were given out of love, not just for the immediate recipients but for their children and grandchildren. God’s heart is for families to be places where faith is nurtured, where stories of His faithfulness are told, and where His love is remembered.
This verse reflects God’s loving intention that His people would never forget who He is or what He has done. By instructing parents to teach their children, God shows His desire for ongoing relationship with His people across generations. His love is not confined to one time or place but extends to every child who hears the stories of His mighty acts and chooses to follow Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ often taught using stories, parables, and questions, reflecting the same approach seen in Deuteronomy 6:20. He invited people to explore the deeper meanings of God’s Word and to understand the heart behind God’s commands. Jesus also emphasized the importance of childlike faith and the role of teaching, saying, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14).
Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfilled the Law and made it possible for all people, including the next generation, to have a relationship with God. In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus commanded His followers to go and teach, showing that the call to share God’s truth is central to the Christian faith. By teaching others about Jesus, believers continue the tradition of passing down God’s story of redemption.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you be more intentional about sharing your faith with the next generation, whether within your family or community?
- What stories of God’s faithfulness in your life could you share to help others understand the importance of following Him?
- How can you encourage questions about faith and make space for meaningful conversations about God’s commands?
- In what ways can you connect God’s laws and teachings to His love and grace in your own life?
- How does Jesus’ example of teaching and welcoming questions inspire you to share your faith with others?
Deuteronomy 6:20 reminds us that faith is something to be actively taught and shared. It calls us to be ready to explain the reasons behind our beliefs, showing how God’s commands are tied to His love and faithfulness. By passing down the story of God’s works, we keep His truth alive in our hearts and in the hearts of those who come after us.