Deuteronomy 6:6-9
6:7 a Repeat them: The Hebrew verb (shanan) might suggest “engraving” a text into a medium that cannot be obliterated, or it might simply mean “repeat.” Either way, the teaching of the Shema was to be indelibly imparted to children by constant repetition so that it would never be forgotten.6:8 b Tie them: The Lord’s commandments (6:6 c) were to be as interwoven into the hearts and minds of children as though they were tied to them. Eventually, this figurative phrase in Judaism was practiced literally by wrapping the forearm with cords representing the Torah (see study note on 4:44).
• wear them: This figure of speech was represented literally in later Judaism by a small box containing a few brief Torah texts. The box and its contents (Hebrew tefillin; Greek phylactery) were reminders of the need to teach and obey the covenant (cp. 11:18 d; Matt 23:5 e).
6:9 f Write them on the doorposts: In later Judaism, people placed portions of Deuteronomy in a small metal case (a mezuzah) attached to the doorframes of houses or other buildings. It was customary to touch the mezuzah when passing through the doorway to show respect for and dependence upon the Scripture.
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