| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| March 7, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Deuteronomy 5-6
Observation & Interpretation
Chapters 5 and 6 of Deuteronomy are a review of the Ten Commandments (also in Exod. 20) and the greatest of them which is to “love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you might” (Deut. 6:5). As the CSB Notes states, “For Israel to love God was to choose him and agree to obey him (6:4–5; Jn 14:15). Conversely, to hate him was to disobey him.” This relationship of love and obedience can be difficult for those of us living on the other side of the cross. Because Christ was ultimately obedient to the Father in His willing crucifixion, we can mistakenly live out a functional antinomianism and that our obedience is not necessary. However, Jesus Himself said that the ones who love Him are those who have His commandments and keep them (John 14:21). When gospel transformation takes place through the work of the Holy Spirit, the eyes of the heart are opened in such a way to both see and desire righteousness. From a place of destitution of our own sin and utter gratitude for our Lord’s redemption, we express our love through our obedience to Him. This we do imperfectly, but in earnest, diligent in our pursuit to follow Him in the way He has graciously provided by His Word.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.