Deuteronomy 6:1-3

Deuteronomy 6:1-3

[1] Now these are the commandments,  the statutes,  and the judgments,  which the LORD  your God  commanded  to teach  you, that ye might do  them in the land  whither ye go  to possess  [2] That thou mightest fear  the LORD  thy God,  to keep  all his statutes  and his commandments,  which I command  thee, thou, and thy son,  all the days  of thy life;  and that thy days  may be prolonged.  [3] Hear  therefore, O Israel,  and observe  to do  it; that it may be well  with thee, and that ye may increase  mightily,  as the LORD  God  of thy fathers  hath promised  thee, in the land  that floweth  with milk  and honey. 

What does Deuteronomy 6:1-3 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

These verses announce the commandments that follow and give the reason for obeying them: God"s blessing. God"s blessing would come in the form of long life, peace and prosperity, and numerous descendants. The "fear" of God ( Deuteronomy 6:2; cf. Deuteronomy 5:29, 35 ( Deuteronomy 6:2); et al.) is the respect that comes from an appreciation of His character.
"It is a fear that produces not obeisance but obedience, not worry but worship ( Deuteronomy 6:13)." [1]
"Israel"s continued enjoyment of a habitation in God"s land, like Adam"s continued enjoyment of the original paradise, depended on continued fidelity to the Lord." [2]