What does Deuteronomy 32:46 mean?

And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 32:46

Explanation

The verse Deuteronomy 32:46 is situated towards the end of Moses’ life when he is imparting his final teachings and instructions to the Israelites. The verse emphasizes the importance of taking to heart the commandments and teachings that Moses has given throughout his leadership. It stresses that the adherence to the laws is not only a personal responsibility but also a communal one, involving the passing down of these commandments to the next generation. The “hearts” are symbolic of the people’s commitment and the depth with which they should internalize God’s laws. The key message of the verse is one of continuity, ensuring that the laws of God perpetuate through the lineage of those who believe and obey them.

Historical Context

Deuteronomy 32:46 falls within the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible, commonly referred to as Deuteronomy, which consists of a series of speeches by Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. These speeches are said to have been delivered on the plains of Moab around 1406 BCE and represent Moses’ last will and testament to the people he led for 40 years through the wilderness. The verse is part of the larger context of Moses’ reinforcement of the covenant between God and the Israelites and his emphasis on the consequences of obeying or disobeying God’s commandments.

Theological Insights

From a Judeo-Christian perspective, the theological importance of Deuteronomy 32:46 lies in its affirmation of the need for continuity in faith and tradition. It reflects the belief in a sacred history that is to be remembered and adhered to by successive generations. Jewish interpretation may see this verse as a reminder of the duties to educate children in the ways of the Torah. In Christianity, while the teachings of the Old Testament are respected, the verse also invites reflection on the adherence to the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament, with an emphasis on spreading the gospel to future generations.

Practical Applications

Practically, Deuteronomy 32:46 can be taken as a call for parents and leaders within a community to be active in the spiritual and moral education of their children and followers. It suggests that faith and values should not merely be personal beliefs but ones that are actively transmitted through teaching, storytelling, and example to younger generations. The idea of setting one’s heart on important teachings also lends itself to the notion of being intentional and sincere in one’s beliefs and practices.

Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 6:6-7: “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children…”
• Deuteronomy 11:19: “And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
• Psalm 78:5-6: “For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children…”

Language Study

The key Hebrew words and phrases in Deuteronomy 32:46 include:

• “Set your hearts” (שִׂ֤ימוּ לְבַבְכֶם֙, simu levavchem): This phrase suggests an intentional focusing or placing of one’s inner being or intentions on something significant.
• “Words” (דְּבָרִ֔ים, devarim): Often translated as “words,” this term can also mean “things” or “matters,” indicating not just the literal words but also the substance or content of what is being said.
• “Testify” (אָעִ֣ידָה בָכֶ֔ם, a’idah bakhem): This term conveys the giving of evidence or bearing witness, emphasizing the seriousness and truth of Moses’ declaration.
• “Observe to do” (לִשְׁמֹ֖ר לַעֲשֹׂ֑ות, lishmor la’asot): A combination of “keep” or “guard” and “to do,” implying a diligent application of the commandments in action.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, the notion of passing on laws and traditions from one generation to the next is not unique to the Hebrew Bible. Many ancient cultures had a strong oral tradition where laws and cultural norms were communicated and preserved through storytelling and communal gatherings. However, the emphasis in Deuteronomy on the divine origin and moral weight of these laws may be distinct from traditions that viewed laws as more secular or royal decrees.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, but it may be tangentially related to areas like educational psychology and the science of memory. The idea of “setting one’s heart” might be understood through studies of emotional attachment and motivation in learning, suggesting that teachings imbued with significance are more likely to be retained and transmitted.

Commentaries

Commentators both ancient and contemporary view this verse as central to the Deuteronomic theme of remembrance and transmittal of the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. Jewish commentators, like the medieval scholar Rashi, emphasize the role of teaching children as a way to ensure the survival and fidelity of the Israelite identity and religion. Christian theological commentaries often highlight this verse to illustrate the continuity between the Old and New Testaments, stressing the importance of scriptural teaching in the Christian tradition. Modern biblical scholarship also views this verse in its literary and rhetorical context within Deuteronomy, observing how it serves to draw the hearer’s attention to the gravity and necessity of adhering to the law.