In these verses, God addresses the fathers, the spiritual heads of their homes. They are to bind His statutes and commandments as a sign on their hands—the hands of the fathers, not of the children. Likewise, they are to be as frontlets between their eyes. The character of a shepherd is seen here. A true shepherd cares for his sheep and is known by them. The sheep recognize his voice and follow him. The rod and staff are in his hands—the rod to ward off the wolves and the staff to restrain the sheep from wandering their own way. Parents are to guide their children, leading them with spiritual discernment.

Abraham, the friend of God, received a wonderful commendation when the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah was great and their sin very grave. God said, “I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord” (Gen. 18:19 kjv). Some who read this may be struggling and feel defeated. Take courage! The Lord is a very present help in times of trouble. If, through lack of watchfulness, we have been drawn away from the Lord, then repent and return and have the joy of the Lord restored.

Finally, “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” The testimony goes outside the home for others to see. And what do they see? Are the beautiful features of Christ shining forth from our homes? Or is there discontentment, resentment, quarreling, and angry words within the home? May the Lord help us so that our words and our actions and all that we are and have will bring glory to Him.