Moses reminds Israel of the underlying principle of the Law, to love God with one’s whole being. They were told that this principle “shall be on your heart”, represented symbolically on their forehead, hand, doorway and gate. It was to be taught to their children. It would be “righteousness for us”, Moses as well as the rest of the people, to remember this commandment and to live it in their lives.
In John 19 we read of the ultimate embodiment of that commandment, demonstrated perfectly in Jesus’ willing sacrifice. Let’s follow that example, putting God’s principles in our hearts. “God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession” were words said to Israel, and we’ve been given the chance to be a part of that nation.