How many times is the word “remember” found in Deuteronomy? This question delves into the profound significance of memory and remembrance within the biblical text. Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Hebrew Bible, is a collection of laws, teachings, and narratives that Moses delivers to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The word “remember” serves as a powerful tool for Moses to reinforce the importance of their history, faith, and the promises God has made to them. In this article, we will explore the frequency of the word “remember” in Deuteronomy and its implications for the readers.
Deuteronomy is a book that emphasizes the need for the Israelites to remember their past and the lessons they have learned. The word “remember” appears 63 times in the book, making it a central theme throughout the text. Moses uses this word to remind the Israelites of their ancestors’ journey, the trials they faced, and the blessings they received. By doing so, he encourages them to remain faithful to God and to uphold the commandments He has given them.
One of the most notable instances of the word “remember” in Deuteronomy is found in chapter 6, verse 12: “Therefore, you shall lay these words of mine upon your heart and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.” Here, Moses calls upon the Israelites to remember the commandments and to keep them close to their hearts. This passage underscores the importance of memory in maintaining a strong relationship with God and in living a life of obedience.
Another significant occurrence of “remember” is in chapter 11, verse 18: “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.” This verse echoes the previous one, emphasizing the need for the Israelites to remember and internalize the teachings of Deuteronomy.
Additionally, the word “remember” is used to remind the Israelites of their ancestors’ faithfulness and the miracles they witnessed. For example, in chapter 7, verse 18, Moses writes: “Therefore you shall keep all the commandments which I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land, which the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” By reminding the Israelites of their ancestors’ faith, Moses encourages them to remain steadfast in their own faith.
Furthermore, the word “remember” is used to warn the Israelites of the consequences of forgetting their history and the commandments. In chapter 8, verse 11, Moses cautions: “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes, which I am commanding you today.” This passage highlights the importance of memory in maintaining a relationship with God and in avoiding the pitfalls of apostasy.
In conclusion, the word “remember” appears 63 times in Deuteronomy, serving as a powerful reminder of the importance of memory and remembrance within the biblical text. By emphasizing the need to remember their past, Moses encourages the Israelites to remain faithful to God and to uphold the commandments He has given them. The frequency and significance of this word in Deuteronomy underscore the importance of memory in maintaining a strong relationship with God and in living a life of obedience.
