Wisdom's Corner
The Mezuza

In Deuteronomy 6:6,9, we read, "And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates."

The Jews took verse nine very literally. They wrote Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Deuteronomy 11:13-21 on parchment. Parchment was at this time like our writing paper. They then rolled the parchment up and put it in a small metal cylinder. Then the cylinder was fastened on the right-hand door-post.

Every time the Jew entered or left the house, they would touch the mezuza. According to tradition this signified to them that they would carry with them the principles of the law as they went forth into the world or carry them into their home life as they entered the home.

We have no such commandment or tradition today. But we should have the same mindset that the Jew had. We should always enter our homes with the idea that God's law will rule our attitude at home. We should let his principles guide us in our relationships with relatives. And each time we leave home we should do so with the thought that we will show others our faith in God by following His commandments.

We do not have a mezuza. But we do need to study our Bible to know what God wants us to do. Until next time, keep reading your Bible. And if any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.

Mark McWhorter

Copyright 2001

Published by The Old Paths Bible School
(http://www.oldpaths.org)