“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children” (Deuteronomy 6:6,7).
Education in the home is nothing new—in fact, this is precisely what takes place in the life of every child, whether or not he at some point in his life, is placed in a public or private institution for formal schooling.
In the book of Judges there is an interesting Hebrew word used for the word “family” (Judges 6:15). The word has the connotation of being yoked together and is elsewhere translated “oxen,” or “kine.” It is derived from a root word meaning “to associate with” which is elsewhere translated “learn,” or “utter,” or “teach.” We can deduce, therefore, that a child will learn the principles of Scripture as he is “yoked together,” so to speak, within his own family unit, all of whom will be pulling together toward the common goal of serving God.
With this in mind, everything the family undertakes becomes a learning experience for the child because of the godly response of the parent to everyday circumstances. This world view must come from a diligent study of God’s word. Deuteronomy’s commands to “teach your children” (Deuteronomy 4:10; 6:7; 11:19; 32:46) are couched in language that assumes the parent knows and reverences the word of God. “Lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul” (Deuteronomy 11:18), “Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day” (Deuteronomy 32:46).
The greatest education a child can have is one that will equip him for every good work. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable . . . that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16,17). CJH
