The Shema as Foundational Verdict for God’s People: An Exegesis of Deuteronomy 6:4–9

Abstract

Deuteronomy 6:4–9, also known as the Shema, presents a theological and contextualization challenge for exegetes today. It instructs on the doctrine of God (6:4), loyalty to the covenant (6:5), education foundations (6:6–7), and expression of faith through religious rituals (6:8–9. The study examines the unclear Hebrew words in the text, which causes disagreement among biblical scholars. Based on the monotheistic statement in Deuteronomy 6:4, the study presents God’s character as sovereign and self-sufficient God who does not share His glory with other gods. The text’s main point is the undivided loyalty to Yahweh, the God of the covenant. He is the Suzerain of Israelites. In the Shema, loyalty means obedience to God’s instructions and trusting Him in life. The paper locates family as the foundation of Christian education to retain devotion to God. A worshipper of Yahweh should be motivated by a genuine love of God. The study helps believers to understand the truth about the nature of God and the duty He has entrusted them.