HE is the One and Only

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is One” Duet. 6:4. what is the meaning of the word “One” in Deuteronomy? We have an understanding that “One” in this passage is Echad. Echad can mean there is only one and not many others; it can also mean two or more things bound together to become one like the two sticks in Ezekiel, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, husband and wife, and Adam. We are familiar with these ideas. But there is another meaning to the word “One” in this passage. Echad can also mean “unique”, the one like no other. If this is the concept of the Shema, it sets God apart from all other things men call gods. It signifies that HE alone posses the attributes of deity. HIS “uniqueness” teaches us that HE is the One and Only. There can be only one God.

The earth belongs to the Lord, and all it contains;
The world and its inhabitants.

He founded it upon the seas,
and set it firm upon the flowing waters.

Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may rise in His sanctuary?

One who has clean hands and a pure heart,
Who has not used God’s name in false oaths,
Who has not sworn deceitfully.

He shall receive a blessing from the Lord,
A just reward from the God of his deliverance.

Such are the people who seek Him,
Who long for the presence of Jacob’s God.

Lift high your heads, O you gates;
Open wide, you ancient doors!
Welcome the glorious King.

Who is the glorious King?
The Lord, with triumph and might,
The Lord, triumphant in battle.

Lift high your heads, O you gates;
Open wide, you ancient doors!
Welcome the glorious King.

Who is the glorious King?
Adonai tzeva’ot, He is the glorious King.

Psalm 24