Your Daily Dose of Hope

Deuteronomy 11:18

"Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes."

Deuteronomy 11:18 is a core verse in the Shema, a central prayer in Judaism. It's an instruction from God to the Israelites, delivered through Moses, about how they are to internalize and remember God's commandments.

​The verse says: "Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes."

​Here's a breakdown of what that means:

​1. Internalizing the Commandments

​The first part, "lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul," emphasizes the spiritual and emotional commitment to God's law. It's not just about outward obedience, but about a deep, internal transformation. The commandments should become part of who you are, influencing your thoughts, feelings, and core motivations. This concept is foundational to Jewish ethics, which values not just the action, but the intent behind it.

​2. Outward Expressions of Faith

​The second part, "bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes," provides a more physical, symbolic instruction. This is where Jewish tradition developed the practice of wearing tefillin (also known as phylacteries).

• ​Tefillin: These are small black leather boxes containing scrolls with specific biblical verses, including Deuteronomy 11:18.

• ​On the Hand: One tefillin box is strapped to the arm, specifically on the bicep facing the heart. This placement symbolizes that one's actions and strength are guided by God's commandments.

• ​On the Forehead: The second tefillin box is placed on the forehead, between the eyes. This symbolizes that one's thoughts, intellect, and entire mindset are dedicated to God's will.

​While the literal practice of wearing tefillin is a central observance for observant Jews, the verse's meaning also extends metaphorically. It serves as a reminder that God's laws should be present in every aspect of a person's life—in their thoughts (forehead), their actions (hand), and their innermost being (heart and soul). The instruction is a comprehensive call for a life lived in constant mindfulness and devotion to God.

May you be bless with this reading and hope to see you soon with another Daily Dose of Hope, until then this is Inspire Global Outreach.