The covenant relationship meant very practical blessings, but it also meant obligations, and these are set out as vividly as the blessings. Failure to meet these obligations would result in disaster, in total loss of the promised blessings.

Chapter 6:4-5 is one of the most important statements of Israel's faith in the Old Testament, and of Israel's obligations. It is followed by the command that every generation be taught and constantly reminded of their faith and its obligations. Matthew 23: 5 describes the wearing of the phylactery, or small box containing the most important words of the Law, as a literal Jewish application of Deuteronomy 6: 8. In modem Israel the mezuzah, fixed by the side of the door, is the literal application of 6 : 9. It is a small container for words ofthe Law.