Deuteronomy 5:1Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In order for this teaching to penetrate the soul more deeply and effectively, it was commanded that the faithful should learn the commandments, inscribing their words upon their hands so that they might be ever-present before their eyes, and writing them on the doorposts and gates, as well as on the fringes of their garments (Deuteronomy 6:8-9). The son of Israel was thus continually reminded of the tenets of his faith at every turn, ensuring he was instructed in it at all times. Only through carelessness could he remain uninformed about his covenant, his justifications, commandments, and judgments.

This parable serves as a call to adhere to the commandments, particularly to revere the one true God. In Deuteronomy 5:1, Moses gathers all of Israel and declares, "Hear, O Israel, the justifications and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, and learn them, and keep them to do them." The reason for Moses’ frequent repetition of this exhortation has been addressed in the commentary on verse 1 of the preceding parimia.