![]() It may simply reflect the " seven rules (Middot) of Hillel", in this case the first one, called Ḳal wa-ḥomer (Hebrew: קל וחומר).Facebook Twitter Reddit Pinterest Email LinkedIn This double reference has given rise to differing views with regard to the relationship that exists between the two commandments, although typically "love thy God" is referred to as "the first and greatest commandment", with "love thy neighbor" being referred to as "the second great commandment". Īlthough only asked about the first commandment, Jesus included the second commandment in his answer. This verse is interpreted by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz to enjoin him to willingly surrender life and fortune whenever the cause of God demands it, while it at the same time urges him to make God beloved by all his creatures through deeds of kindness, as Abraham did (Sifre, Deut. Twice every day the Jew recites the Shema Yisrael, which contains the words: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might" (Deut. 102b Sifra, Emor, ix.), but so to conduct himself in every way as to prevent the name of God from being dishonored by non-Israelites. 32), is not only obliged to give his life as witness or martyr for the maintenance of the true faith (see Isa. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God" is interpreted by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz to mean "Act in such a manner that God will be beloved by all His creatures." Consequently, Israel, being, as the priest-people, enjoined like the Aaronite priest to sanctify the name of God and avoid whatever tends to desecrate it (Lev. In its duration ever to be continued on earth, and never to be discontinued in heaven.In its necessity being absolutely indispensable.In its extent leaving nothing to the creature, which it does not refer to the Creator.In its virtue and efficacy because by this alone God reigns in the heart of humans, and humans are united to God.In its fruitfulness because it is the root of all commandments, and the fulfilling of the law.In its sufficiency being in itself capable of making men holy in this life, and happy in the other.In its justice because it alone renders to God his due, prefers him before all things, and secures to him his proper rank in relation to them.In its excellence being the commandment of the new covenant, and the very spirit of the Divine adoption.In its dignity as directly and immediately proceeding from and referring to God.In its antiquity being as old as the world, and engraved originally on our very nature.Īdam Clarke, in his Commentary on the Bible, wrote: ![]() ![]() Some would have the Law of Circumcision to be the Great Commandment, others the Law of the Sabbath, others the Law of Sacrifices, according as they severally stood affected, and spent their zeal now they would try what Christ said to this question, hoping to incense the people against him, if he should not answer according to the vulgar opinion and if he should magnify one commandment, they would reflect on him as vilifying the rest. It was a question disputed among the critics in the Law. ![]() ![]() Matthew Henry sums up the question of which is the great commandment: See also: Agape and Love of God (Christianity) ![]()
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