There is but one only, the living and true God.
Deuteronomy 6:4 (NASB)
“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!
This verse is called the Shema because the verse begins, “Hear, O Israel!;” Shema is the Hebrew word for hear. What was Israel to hear but that the LORD (i.e. יְהוָֹה Yehovah or יַהְוֶה Yahveh ) is their God? They should also hear that the LORD (i.e. יְהוָֹה Yehovah or יַהְוֶה Yahveh ) is one. Saying that the Lord alone is Israel’s God is a statement of exclusivity, for Israel was to bow down to no other so called gods.
In the book of Deuteronomy, verse 6:4 follows another Shema, the Ten Commandments which where given by the mouth of God on Mt. Sinai in the desert and all of Israel heard the word of the LORD and they were afraid.
In Deuteronomy, Moses is recounting all of these things to the sons of Israel. He reminds that the LORD said, “I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of slavery.” (Dt 5:6)
All of Israel was to hear that the LORD is their God, the LORD is one! Therefore, all of Israel shall love the LORD their God with all of their heart, and with all of their soul, and with all of their might; observing all that the LORD commanded. (Dt. 6:5-6)
