SPECIAL TOPIC: LISTEN/HEAR (shema)
The VERB "listen" or "hear" (BDB 1033, KB 1570, Qal IMPERATIVE) is used often in the OT. The root often appears in personal names. Its basic theological usage is "to hear so as to do." It focuses on godly living, not just hearing (see Contextual Insights, A., B. of James, chapter 1:19-27). This is the focus of biblical covenant. The usage of this VERB in Deuteronomy implies that it was used liturgically at set worship times (e.g., Deut. 4:1; 5:1; 9:1; 20:3; 27:9-10).
The prayer in Deut. 6:4-6 , since the days of the second temple (516 B.C.), is repeated even to this day by Jewish people in both the morning and evening and at every worship occasion. It is their central confession of faith. However, as the Jewish Study Bible, p. 379, points out, this paragraph is not highlighted or emphasized in its context. It is not quoted in liturgical prayers recorded in the OT.
The VERB is used of God's people not hearing (i.e., unbelief or disobedience). It denotes rebellion (cf. Deut. 29:4; Isa. 6:9-10; 30:9; Jer. 5:21). God's revelation is meant to be obeyed (cf. Luke 6:46)! Obedience is crucial (cf. John 14:15,21,23; 15:10; see Special Topic: Keep below)>
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