Section Three

The home environment

In the Old Testament, there was an importance placed on creating an environment in the household that was at least in some part geared to instruct children in aspects of faith. The commandments that God had given the Israelites (including the key one to love God with all their heart, soul and strength) were to be ‘impressed’ on children. The commandments were to be talked about in all sorts of situations: • at home • when the family was travelling • at bed time • first thing in the morning The commandments were symbolically tied to the hands and forehead. They were also tied to the gates and doorframes. In other words, children grew up in an environment that immersed them in reminders of God.