what current commitments or activities compete for our 'heart, soul, and might' today?

Then — the setting

Deuteronomy was likely composed over centuries, reaching its current form perhaps in the 7th or 6th century BCE, during a time of significant political and religious change in Judah. It presents Moses' final addresses to the Israelites before they enter Canaan, serving as a foundational constitution for their life in the land. The command to love God with 'all your heart, soul, and might' was a call for complete, undivided loyalty in a polytheistic ancient Near Eastern world, where many deities vied for attention. This wasn't merely an internal feeling but an outward commitment governing daily life, societal structures, and political allegiance.

Across the Testaments

The passage is from the Old Testament, representing a core demand of the covenant God made with Israel. In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly affirms Deuteronomy 6:5 as the 'first and greatest commandment' (Matthew 22:37-38, Mark 12:29-30), demonstrating its enduring significance and centrality. Jesus's teaching expands on this by linking it directly to love of neighbor (Leviticus 19:18), suggesting that true devotion to God is inseparable from ethical action and care for humanity, thereby deepening the 'might' aspect beyond personal sacrifice to include social responsibility.

Keep thinking

• Behind the textwhat did 'heart, soul, and might' mean for nomadic, agricultural communities in ancient israel?
• Across the Biblehow does jesus's teaching on the greatest commandment (mark 12:29-30) build on or reframe this passage?
• For todaywhich of our modern society's structures or values subtly compete for this kind of total devotion?

Read alongside it

• Matthew 6:24

  Jesus speaks about the impossibility of serving two masters, echoing the theme of exclusive devotion.

• Joshua 24:14-15

  Joshua challenges the Israelites to 'choose this day whom you will serve,' highlighting the active choice in commitment.

Ask your own follow-up