God did not want just memorization or regulated obedience to rules; He wanted the wisdom of these words to be on the peoples’ hearts, to understand who God is.
How were they to keep the ten commandments? In Deuteronomy 6.7-9:
– Teach them diligently to your children
– Talk of them when you sit in your house
– Talk of them when you walk by the way
– Talk of them when you lie down
– Talk of them when you rise
– Bind them as a sign on your hand
– Bind them as frontlets between your eyes
– Write them on the doorposts of your house
– Write them on your gates
Have the commandments around you ALL the time, because you are easily distracted, tempted, and led off into evil ways. (Deuteronomy 6.10-15)
Do what is right and good in the eyes of the LORD. Don’t put God to the test, to see how he will react when you disobey. (Deuteronomy 6.16-19)
Be ready to give good reasons and testimonies of the faithfulness of God, including his just and loving commandments. (Deuteronomy 6.20-25)