Here the Lord is instructing parents of faith to be diligent, meticulous, and intentional in the transmission of their faith. The Shema, Deut. 6:4 (Hear Oh Israel, the LORD our God is One.) and the following verse in 6:5 (You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind) form the bedrock of what is taught. A lot was at stake here, namely, the integrity and life of a nation! Children might forget their God. This would result in God's firm disciplinary displeasure. Finally, the faith-fueled practice of observing these commands and teaching them would count to them as righteousness. It was and continues to be the obligation of parents to teach the gospel to their children.