How could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads?

Answer

In Deuteronomy 6:8–9, the Lord speaks of His laws, saying, “Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” A related passage instructs, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, discussing them at home, on the road, when you lie down, and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 11:18-20). Write them on the doorframes, tie them on your hands, and bind them on your foreheads. Were the Jewish people meant to take these commands literally?

Doors and Gates: The Jewish tradition of affixing a mezuzah on the doorpost originates from this Scripture passage. The mezuzah (Hebrew for “doorpost”) is a small parchment usually containing the line from Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” An extra-biblical Jewish tradition mandates that these words be inscribed by an authorized Jewish scribe known as a sofer stam. The parchment is folded or rolled, placed in a small case, and attached to the right side of the doorway of a home at shoulder height. Tradition requires it to be affixed within 30 days of moving into a new home.

Foreheads/Hands: Since ancient times, Jews have observed the practice of using phylacteries (also known as “tefillin”). Phylacteries are small leather boxes containing portions of the Law of Moses. The boxes are fastened to the wrist and a type of headband so that one literally carries the laws of God over their eyes and on their hands. Jesus references this custom in Matthew 23:5: “They make their phylacteries wide.”

Despite the literal observance of these verses by traditional J

News, many scholars of the Old Testament believe the commands were intended to be figurative. Exodus 13:9 and 16 also imply that God was using figurative language to highlight the significance of obeying His laws. Later prophets argued that the focus of the Law was on matters of the heart rather than external ritual. Micah, for instance, observed, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” «He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? », (Micah 6:8).

In essence, many Jews have interpreted the idea of placing God’s laws on doors, hands, and head literally, yet the focus in these passages is on the importance of the Law. The Law of the Lord is perfect, as stated in Psalm 19:7. Psalm 1 underscores the significance of reflecting on God’s Word both day and night. We should always remember it; it should be a part of our daily lives. The Word belongs in our hearts, not merely on our foreheads.