Mezuzah
What is a Mezuzah?
A small container called a mezuzah is attached to the doorpost of every religious Jewish home. This mezuzah contains a small, rolled up piece of paper with Bible verses inscribed on it (the text of Deut. 4:4-9; 11:13-21). Upon entering the home, one touches the mezuzah and then kisses his or her fingers as an expression of devotion to the verses that it contains.
The Scripture Behind It
"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them upon your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates" (Deut. 6:6-9).
A Visual Reminder
The physical presence of a copy of the commandments served as an excellent reminder of God's desire for his people, that they would love him with all of their heart, all of their soul, and all of their strength (Deut. 6:5). This visual aide reminded the people to serve and obey God in every aspect of life.
Jericho's Ruins Symbolize a Mezuzah
The main entrance to the Promised Land was the mountain pass guarded by Jericho. After defeating the city, God commanded that Jericho's ruins be left as a testimony, like a mezuzah, that the land belonged to him. God wanted his mark of ownership to remain on the land as a visual reminder that its occupants must obey and serve him.
