Deuteronomy 6:20-25

How should parents explain the purpose of the commands to their children?

Berean Standard Bible

20 In the future, when your son asks, “What is the meaning of the decrees and statutes and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?” 21 then you are to tell him, “We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 Before our eyes the LORD inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. 23 But He brought us out from there to lead us in and give us the land that He had sworn to our fathers. 24 And the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes and to fear the LORD our God, that we may always be prosperous and preserved, as we are to this day. 25 And if we are careful to observe every one of these commandments before the LORD our God, as He has commanded us, then that will be our righteousness.”

What is the context?

When a child asks about the statutes, the answer begins with the family’s shared story: they were Pharaoh’s slaves, and the Lord brought them out through mighty acts. He brought them out in order to bring them into the land promised to the fathers.

The commands are then explained as instruction for their good and continued life before Him. The passage calls careful obedience their righteousness. It does not retell the exodus as something they first earned by already being a free, obedient nation.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley understands the final statement as God recognizing sincere obedience. The Westminster Confession 19.6 distinguishes the law’s guidance for life from justification through keeping it. These explanations address the relationship between obedience and standing before God from their respective settings; the narrative order here is deliverance followed by instruction in the life of the delivered people.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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