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Exodus 20:12
Verse
Context
The Ten Commandments
11For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. 12Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
Sermons
Paris Reidhead
Art Katz
C.H. Spurgeon
Willie Mullan
Leonard RavenhillSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Honor thy father and thy mother - There is a degree of affectionate respect which is owing to parents, that no person else can properly claim. For a considerable time parents stand as it were in the place of God to their children, and therefore rebellion against their lawful commands has been considered as rebellion against God. This precept therefore prohibits, not only all injurious acts, irreverent and unkind speeches to parents, but enjoins all necessary acts of kindness, filial respect, and obedience. We can scarcely suppose that a man honors his parents who, when they fall weak, blind, or sick, does not exert himself to the uttermost in their support. In such cases God as truly requires the children to provide for their parents, as he required the parents to feed, nourish, support, instruct, and defend the children when they were in the lowest state of helpless in fancy. See Clarke's note on Gen 48:12. The rabbins say, Honor the Lord with thy substance, Pro 3:9; and, Honor thy father and mother. The Lord is to be honored thus if thou have it; thy father and mother, whether thou have it or not; for if thou have nothing, thou art bound to beg for them. See Ainsworth. That thy days may be long - This, as the apostle observes, Eph 6:2, is the first commandment to which God has annexed a promise; and therefore we may learn in some measure how important the duty is in the sight of God. In Deu 5:16 it is said, And that it may go well with thee; we may therefore conclude that it will go ill with the disobedient; and there is no doubt that the untimely deaths of many young persons are the judicial consequence of their disobedience to their parents. Most who come to an untimely end are obliged to confess that this, with the breach of the Sabbath, was the principal cause of their ruin. Reader, art thou guilty? Humble thyself therefore before God, and repent. 1. As children are bound to succor their parents, so parents are bound to educate and instruct their children in all useful and necessary knowledge, and not to bring them up either in ignorance or idleness. 2. They should teach their children the fear and knowledge of God, for how can they expect affection or dutiful respect from those who have not the fear of God before their eyes? Those who are best educated are generally the most dutiful. Heathens also inculcated respect to parents. Ουδεν προς θεων τιμιωτερον αγαλμα αν κτησαιμεθα πατρος και προπατορος παρειμενων γηρᾳ, και μητερων την αυτην δυναμιν εχουσων· οὑς ὁυταν αγαλλῃ τις, τιμαις γεγηθεν ὁ θεος. - Πας δη νουν εχων φοβειται και τιμᾳ, γονενων ευχας ειδως πολλοις και πολλακις επιτελεις γενομενας. Plato de Leg., lib. xi., vol. ix, p. 160. Ed. Bipont. "We can obtain no more honorable possession from the gods than fathers and forefathers worn down with age, and mothers who have undergone the same change, whom when we delight, God is pleased with the honor; and every one that is governed by right understanding fears and reverences them, well knowing that the prayers of parents oftentimes, and in many particulars, have received full accomplishment."
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The Fifth Word, "Honour thy father and thy mother," does not refer to fellow-men, but to "those who are the representatives (vicarii) of God. Therefore, as God is to be served with honour and fear, His representatives are to be so too" (Luther decem. praec.). This is placed beyond all doubt by Lev 19:3, where reverence towards parents is placed on an equality with the observance of the Sabbath, and תּירא (fear) is substituted for כּבּד (honour). It also follows from כּבּד, which, as Calvin correctly observes, nihil aliud est quam Deo et hominibus, qui dignitate pollent, justum honorem deferre. Fellow-men or neighbours (רע) are to be loved (Lev 19:18): parents, on the other hand, are to be honoured and feared; reverence is to be shown to them with heart, mouth, and hand - in thought, word, and deed. But by father and mother we are not to understand merely the authors and preservers of our bodily life, but also the founders, protectors, and promoters of our spiritual life, such as prophets and teachers, to whom sometimes the name of father is given (Kg2 2:12; Kg2 13:14), whilst at other times paternity is ascribed to them by their scholars being called sons and daughters (Psa 34:12; Psa 45:11; Pro 1:8, Pro 1:10, Pro 1:15, etc.); also the guardians of our bodily and spiritual life, the powers ordained of God, to whom the names of father and mother (Gen 45:8; Jdg 5:7) may justly be applied, since all government has grown out of the relation of father and child, and draws its moral weight and stability, upon which the prosperity and well-being of a nation depends, from the reverence of children towards their parents. (Note: "In this demand for reverence to parents, the fifth commandment lays the foundation for the sanctification of the whole social life, inasmuch as it thereby teaches us to acknowledge a divine authority in the same" (Oehler, Dekalog, p. 322).) And the promise, "that thy days may be long (thou mayest live long) in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee," also points to this. There is a double promise here. So long as the nation rejoiced in the possession of obedient children, it was assured of a long life or existence in the land of Canaan; but there is also included the promise of a long life, i.e., a great age, to individuals (cf. Deu 6:2; Deu 22:7), just as we find in Kg1 3:14 a good old age referred to as a special blessing from God. In Deu 5:16, the promise of long life is followed by the words, "and that it may be well with thee," which do not later the sense, but merely explain it more fully. As the majesty of God was thus to be honoured and feared in parents, so the image of God was to be kept sacred in all men. This thought forms the transition to the rest of the commandments.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Honour thy father and thy mother, &c. Which is the fifth commandment of the decalogue, but is the first commandment with promise, as the apostle says, Eph 6:2 and is the first of the second table: this, though it may be extended to all ancestors in the ascending line, as father's father and mother, mother's father and mother, &c. and to all such who are in the room of parents, as step-fathers and step-mothers, guardians, nurses, &c. and to all superiors in dignity and office, to kings and governors, to masters, ministers, and magistrates; yet chiefly respects immediate parents, both father and mother, by showing filial affection for them, and reverence and esteem of them, and by yielding obedience to them, and giving them relief and assistance in all things in which they need it; and if honour, esteem, affection, obedience, and reverence, are to be given to earthly parents, then much more to our Father which is in heaven, Mal 1:6. that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee; that is, the land of Canaan, which he had given by promise to their fathers, and was now about to put them, their posterity, into the possession of: this further confirms the observation made, that this body of laws belonged peculiarly to the people of Israel: long life in any place or land is a blessing in itself, not always enjoyed by obedient children, thou obedience to parents often brings the judgments of God on persons; so that they sometimes die an untimely or an uncommon death, as in the case of the rebellious son, for whom a law was provided in Israel, and Absalom and others, see Lev 20:9 Aben Ezra takes the word to be transitive, and so the words may be read, "that they may prolong thy days"; or, "cause thy days to be prolonged"; meaning either that the commandments, and keeping of them, may be the means of prolonging the days of obedient children, according to the divine promise; or that they, their father and mother, whom they harbour and obey, might, by their prayers for them, be the means of obtaining long life for them; or else that they, Father, Son, and Spirit, may do it, though man's days, strictly speaking, cannot be shortened or lengthened beyond the purpose of God, see Job 14:5 the Septuagint version inserts before this clause another, "that it may be well with thee", as in Deu 5:16 and which the apostle also has, Eph 6:3 and where, instead of this, the words are, "and thou mayest live long on the earth"; accommodating them the better to the Gentiles, to whom he writes.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the laws of the second table, as they are commonly called, the last six of the ten commandments, comprehending our duty to ourselves and to one another, and constituting a comment upon the second great commandment, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. As religion towards God is an essential branch of universal righteousness, so righteousness towards men is an essential branch of true religion. Godliness and honesty must go together. I. The fifth commandment concerns the duties we owe to our relations; those of children to their parents are alone specified: Honour thy father and thy mother, which includes, 1. A decent respect to their persons, an inward esteem of them outwardly expressed upon all occasions in our conduct towards them. Fear them (Lev 19:3), give them reverence, Heb 12:9. The contrary to this is mocking at them and despising them, Pro 30:17. 2. Obedience to their lawful commands; so it is expounded (Eph 6:1-3): "Children, obey your parents, come when they call you, go where they send you, do what they bid you, refrain from what they forbid you; and this, as children, cheerfully, and from a principle of love." Though you have said, "We will not," yet afterwards repent and obey, Mat 21:29. 3. Submission to their rebukes, instructions, and corrections; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward, out of conscience towards God. 4. Disposing of themselves with the advice, direction, and consent, of parents, not alienating their property, but with their approbation. 5. Endeavouring, in every thing, to be the comfort of their parents, and to make their old age easy to them, maintaining them if they stand in need of support, which our Saviour makes to be particularly intended in this commandment, Mat 15:4-6. The reason annexed to this commandment is a promise: That thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Having mentioned, in the preface to the commandments, has bringing them out of Egypt as a reason for their obedience, he here, in the beginning of the second table, mentions his bringing them into Canaan, as another reason; that good land they must have upon their thoughts and in their eye, now that they were in the wilderness. They must also remember, when they came to that land, that they were upon their good behaviour, and that, if they did not conduct themselves well, their days should be shortened in that land, both the days of particular persons who should be cut off from it, and the days of their nation which should be removed out of it. But here a long life in that good land is promised particularly to obedient children. Those that do their duty to their parents are most likely to have the comfort of that which their parents gather for them and leave to them; those that support their parents shall find that God, the common Father, will support them. This promise is expounded (Eph 6:3), That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Those who, in conscience towards God, keep this and the rest of God's commandments, may be sure that it shall be well with them, and that they shall live as long on earth as Infinite Wisdom sees good for them, and that what they may seem to be cut short of on earth shall be abundantly made up in eternal life, the heavenly Canaan which God will give them. II. The sixth commandment concerns our own and our neighbour's life (Exo 20:13): "Thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not do any thing hurtful or injurious to the health, ease, and life, of thy own body, or any other person's unjustly." This is one of the laws of nature, and was strongly enforced by the precepts given to Noah and his sons, Gen 9:5, Gen 9:6. It does not forbid killing in lawful war, or in our own necessary defence, nor the magistrate's putting offenders to death, for those things tend to the preserving of life; but it forbids all malice and hatred to the person of any (for he that hateth his brother is a murderer), and all personal revenge arising therefrom; also all rash anger upon sudden provocations, and hurt said or done, or aimed to be done, in passion: of this our Saviour expounds this commandment, Mat 5:22. And, as that which is worst of all, it forbids persecution, laying wait for the blood of the innocent and excellent ones of the earth. III. The seventh commandment concerns our own and our neighbour's chastity: Thou shalt not commit adultery, Exo 20:14. This is put before the sixth by our Saviour (Mar 10:19): Do not commit adultery, do not kill; for our chastity should be as dear to us as our lives, and we should be as much afraid of that which defiles the body as of that which destroys it. This commandment forbids all acts of uncleanness, with all those fleshly lusts which produce those acts and war against the soul, and all those practices which cherish and excite those fleshly lusts, as looking, in order to lust, which, Christ tells us, is forbidden in this commandment, Mat 5:28. IV. The eighth commandment concerns our own and our neighbour's wealth, estate, and goods: Thou shalt not steal, Exo 20:15. Though God had lately allowed and appointed them to spoil the Egyptians in a way of just reprisal, yet he did not intend that it should be drawn into a precedent and that they should be allowed thus to spoil one another. This command forbids us to rob ourselves of what we have by sinful spending, or of the use and comfort of it by sinful sparing, and to rob others by removing the ancient landmarks, invading our neighbour's rights, taking his goods from his person, or house, or field, forcibly or clandestinely, over-reaching in bargains, nor restoring what is borrowed or found, withholding just debts, rents, or wages, and (which is worst of all) to rob the public in the coin or revenue, or that which is dedicated to the service of religion. V. The ninth commandment concerns our own and our neighbour's good name: Thou shalt not bear false witness, Exo 20:16. This forbids, 1. Speaking falsely in any matter, lying, equivocating, and any way devising and designing to deceive our neighbour. 2. Speaking unjustly against our neighbour, to the prejudice of his reputation; and (which involves the guilty of both), 3. Bearing false witness against him, laying to his charge things that he knows not, either judicially, upon oath (by which the third commandment, and the sixth of eighth, as well as this, are broken), or extrajudicially, in common converse, slandering, backbiting, tale-bearing, aggravating what is done amiss and making it worse than it is, and any way endeavouring to raise our own reputation upon the ruin of our neighbour's. VI. The tenth commandment strikes at the root: Thou shalt not covet, Exo 20:17. The foregoing commands implicitly forbid all desire of doing that which will be an injury to our neighbour; this forbids all inordinate desire of having that which will be a gratification to ourselves. "O that such a man's house were mine! Such a man's wife mine! Such a man's estate mine!" This is certainly the language of discontent at our own lot, and envy at our neighbour's; and these are the sins principally forbidden here. St. Paul, when the grace of God caused the scales to fall from his eyes, perceived that this law, Thou shalt not covet, forbade all those irregular appetites and desires which are the first-born of the corrupt nature, the first risings of the sin that dwelleth in us, and the beginnings of all the sin that is committed by us: this is that lust which, he says, he had not known the evil of, if this commandment, when it came to his conscience in the power of it, had not shown it to him, Rom 7:7. God give us all to see our face in the glass of this law, and to lay our hearts under the government of it!
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:12-17 The remaining six instructions all have to do with human relationships. Many of the stipulations of the covenant with God relate to how people treat each other. This connection of ethical behavior with religious duty is unique in the Old Testament world. There are several ethical law codes known in the ancient Near East, and several of these predate Moses, but all of them are imposed by a human king and have little to do with religion. The pagan gods, meanwhile, were patently unethical and untrustworthy, unlike the God of Israel, whose people worship him by treating others as he does. See also Matt 19:17-19. 20:12 To honor your father and mother is to recognize that you are not self-sufficient and self-existent. This is one important step on the road to humility. Arrogance may produce notoriety, but humility and gratitude are the foundations of a long, full life. Both Jesus and Paul refer to this command (see Matt 15:4; Mark 7:10; Eph 6:1-3).
Exodus 20:12
The Ten Commandments
11For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, but on the seventh day He rested. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. 12Honor your father and mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Cost of Discipleship - Part 10
By Paris Reidhead6.0K19:25Cost Of DiscipleshipEXO 20:12DEU 12:30MAT 22:37ROM 7:71TH 1:91JN 2:31JN 5:2In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of how he realized he was lost and disobedient to his parents. Despite being involved in church activities and memorizing scripture, he had lied and deceived his parents. The speaker emphasizes the importance of keeping God's commandments and honoring parents as a sign of being a child of God. He recounts a moment of brokenness and repentance where he sought forgiveness from God and his mother, and experienced the assurance of God's forgiveness. The sermon highlights the need for genuine commitment and passion to please God, rather than just going through religious motions.
Costly Submission
By Art Katz4.1K1:29:43SubmissionEXO 20:12MAT 6:33ROM 14:11EPH 6:1PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of rendering honor, obedience, and gratitude to fathers and those in positions of authority. He acknowledges that human nature often resists submission due to a desire for self-exaltation. The speaker also highlights the significance of using the English language effectively and encourages the audience to value and employ words with meaningful impact. Additionally, he references the commandment to honor one's mother and father, emphasizing its inclusion in the Ten Commandments and its importance in God's wisdom and understanding.
(Godly Home) Part 10 - the Hearts of the Fathers Must Turn
By Denny Kenaston4.1K42:49Godly Home SeriesEXO 20:12PSA 127:3PRO 22:6MAL 4:5MAT 6:33EPH 6:4COL 3:21In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of relationships, particularly the relationship between fathers and their children. He shares a story about a father who neglects his child's desire for attention and approval, causing the child to turn to other influences. Brother Denny then references Malachi 4:5-6, which speaks of the coming of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and vice versa. He highlights the need for a heart change and repentance in order to truly nurture and raise children for God.
Everybody's Sermon
By C.H. Spurgeon3.6K46:17EXO 20:12DEU 32:2PSA 121:1ISA 28:10ISA 45:22HOS 1:6MAT 13:34In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that even those who are not able to spend much time in nature can still learn from God's creation. He gives examples such as a baker who sees the oven as a reminder of the coming judgment day. The preacher also encourages sinners to open their eyes and be receptive to the messages that God may put in their path. He urges them to consider the Lord as their Creator and to fear and serve Him. The sermon concludes with a personal anecdote about how God spoke to the preacher through the barrenness of winter.
(Bible Analysis of Man) Man in the Bible - Part 1
By Willie Mullan3.4K55:47Bible Analysis Of ManGEN 1:1GEN 3:1EXO 20:12MAT 19:3MRK 16:16ROM 5:121TI 2:12In this sermon, the preacher begins by expressing gratitude for the attendance of the congregation and shares testimonies of individuals who have recently accepted Jesus as their Savior. The preacher then reflects on the disparity between the abundance in some parts of the world and the extreme poverty and injustice in others. The sermon emphasizes God's love for the world and how He demonstrated this love by sacrificing His only Son. The preacher marvels at the power and precision of God's creation and concludes by highlighting the authority and effectiveness of God's word in creating and sustaining the world.
Biblical Courtship Session #3: The Child's Responsibility to the Parents
By Paul Washer3.4K48:54Biblical CourtshipEXO 20:12DEU 5:16PRO 1:8PRO 22:6MAT 6:33EPH 6:1COL 3:20In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taking marriage seriously and finding a partner that God has chosen for us. He encourages listeners to reflect on their past actions and attitudes towards their parents, specifically in terms of honoring and obeying them. The preacher also highlights the significance of seeking parental counsel and humbling oneself before them. The sermon aims to provide a biblical foundation for understanding courtship and the importance of cultivating a godly relationship before marriage.
The Whole Armour of God - Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill3.0K1:17:38Armour Of GodEXO 20:12MAT 22:37LUK 10:20JHN 3:16EPH 6:11COL 3:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses various aspects of the Christian life, including witnessing, worship, and warfare. He emphasizes the importance of fathers in the household, highlighting their role as the head of the family and the need to bring up children in a nurturing and admonishing manner. The speaker also mentions the heavenly calling of believers in Christ Jesus, discussing predestination, edification, and vocation. He notes that while there is abundant information on witnessing, there is less on worship and even less on warfare. The sermon concludes with a disturbing anecdote about a recent incident involving occult practices and murder.
The Responding Christ
By David Wilkerson3.0K1:01:25EXO 20:12JDG 10:9PSA 34:18MAT 6:33MRK 3:1MRK 5:22ROM 8:28In this sermon, the preacher addresses the struggles of young people in the city who are battling against sin. He emphasizes the feeling of dirtiness and filthiness that sin brings, especially for those who have a heart for God. The preacher highlights the desperation of individuals who have been seeking help and healing for their problems for years, but have not found a solution. However, he reassures the audience that God can meet them and bring healing if they open their minds and hearts to His Word. The sermon then focuses on how Jesus responds to different needs, starting with grief, and emphasizes the importance of responding to Christ and His Word with action.
The Knowledge of God
By Art Katz3.0K1:51:05Knowledge Of GodEXO 20:12NUM 6:24DEU 10:12PSA 27:4PRO 3:5ISA 40:31MAL 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of bringing the message of God's word to a divided and violent world. He questions whether the revelation of God at Mount Sinai and the laws and covenants given to the Israelites are still relevant and real for believers today. The speaker mentions the Orthodox Passover Seder and the four sons, highlighting the foolish and wicked sons who disregard their ancestors' experiences and fail to see the significance of their own deliverance. The sermon also touches on God's jealousy and references another book on God as a mystery.
Interview - the Holocaust and the Jew
By Art Katz2.9K1:01:42InterviewEXO 20:12DEU 28:1DEU 32:24MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the gospel is contrary to human understanding and intelligence, and can only be received through revelation. He shares his experience of attending a conference on prayer for Israel that lacked repentance and was focused on self-serving motives. The speaker highlights the importance of proclaiming the good news and being passionate for Jesus, rather than seeking personal blessings. He also discusses the root cause of the Holocaust from a biblical perspective, referencing the covenantal obligations and consequences described in Deuteronomy and Leviticus.
(Genesis) Genesis 49:2-5
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K04:37GenesisGEN 49:2GEN 49:5EXO 20:12PRO 22:6MAT 6:33PHP 4:8In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Genesis 49:2 and the dramatic scene of Jacob, the old man, sitting up in bed leaning on his staff. The speaker reflects on the inconvenience of death and how it interrupts our plans and appointments. Jacob then proceeds to address his sons, starting with Reuben, his firstborn. Jacob recognizes the importance of heredity and acknowledges both the strengths and weaknesses of his sons. He specifically mentions Reuben's sordid story and how it prevented him from excelling. The speaker also mentions a preacher friend who could have achieved more but was content with mediocrity.
Through the Bible - Exodus - Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.6K57:11MosesEXO 15:26EXO 20:12EXO 23:9EXO 31:16PHP 4:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being detached from worldly attractions and desires in order to serve God effectively. He uses the example of Moses, who had to undergo a process of brokenness and humility before he could fulfill God's purpose. The preacher also highlights the power that is released through brokenness, comparing it to the splitting of an atom. He concludes by reminding the audience that God can use whatever they already have in their hands to accomplish His purposes.
(Disciples of Jesus) the Way of the Cross
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:20:16EXO 20:12MAT 5:44MAT 6:33LUK 14:26JHN 2:4GAL 6:14EPH 3:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering our will to God's will. He encourages listeners to let go of their own ambitions and plans and instead seek God's guidance in every aspect of their lives. The speaker highlights Jesus as the ultimate example of surrendering to God's will, even unto death on the cross. He urges listeners to make a daily commitment to die to their own desires and allow God to determine how they spend their time, money, and resources. The speaker also emphasizes the blessings that come from choosing God's will over our own and the assurance that behind every cross there is a resurrection.
The Nazarite Vow
By Gary Wilkerson1.9K42:52NazariteEXO 20:12EXO 34:9NUM 6:2NUM 6:13MAT 6:33JHN 7:37ACT 2:17In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Numbers chapter 6 and the concept of the Nazarite vow. The vow is seen as a way for both men and women to consecrate themselves to the Lord and go deeper in their relationship with Jesus. The speaker shares a powerful story of a 118-year-old woman in Brazil who made this vow and dedicated her life to prayer and bringing deliverance to her city. Despite living in extreme poverty, she remained committed to her calling and led others to Jesus. The sermon emphasizes the importance of hungering for more of Jesus and living a life of consecration.
(Dreams & Visions of a Godly Home) the Beautiful Influence of a Godly Home
By Denny Kenaston1.8K1:03:31Godly Home VisionEXO 20:12DEU 6:6PSA 78:1PRO 31:30ISA 40:31HAB 2:2MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of raising children as disciples of Jesus Christ. The goal is to make children love, serve, and walk with Him. The speaker draws inspiration from Jesus and His disciples, highlighting how Jesus poured His life into them. The speaker encourages parents to prioritize their children's spiritual growth and to immerse themselves in God's word to guide their parenting. The sermon emphasizes the need for a deep understanding of God's vision for families and future generations.
The Continuing Decline of Modesty
By David Cooper1.4K1:34:57ModestyEXO 20:121KI 18:46MAT 6:33LUK 7:47ACT 17:11HEB 12:14In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the unexpected challenges he faced while preparing his sermon. He warns against finding glory in physical appearances and cautions against the temptation of seeking attention through clothing choices. The preacher emphasizes the importance of loving much, drawing inspiration from the verse in the Bible that states "to him that's forgiven much he loves much." He also references the story of Elijah and the practice of girding up the loins to highlight the need for readiness and freedom to serve God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to not boast or seek attention, as love does not boast.
(The Word for Today) Isaiah 3:8 - Part 2
By Chuck Smith1.4K25:58ExpositionalGEN 1:1EXO 20:12PSA 23:1PRO 22:6ISA 3:8MAT 6:33JHN 3:16In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith addresses the consequences of turning away from God and embracing sinful behavior. He emphasizes that when we engage in unnatural and sinful actions, we will inevitably suffer the consequences of those actions. The nation is described as being in a state of moral decline, with the Bible being removed from public schools. Pastor Chuck argues that this is a violation of the nation's history and the blessings that come from having God at the center of national life. He encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to seek fellowship with God amidst the moral decay of society.
Fathers, Bring Them Up in the Discipline and Instruction of the Lord
By John Piper1.4K51:36EXO 20:12PRO 22:6MAT 6:33ROM 8:15EPH 4:15EPH 6:1HEB 9:26In this sermon, Johnny Piper reflects on the lessons he learned from his father's preaching. He emphasizes the importance of being transformed and obedient in the Christian faith. He also discusses the balance between speaking the truth in love and not using Bible doctrine to beat people up. Piper shares how his father's absence due to ministry work made him realize the reality of hell and the urgency of spreading the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. Overall, the sermon highlights the preciousness of life, the need for trust in God, and the mission to spread a passion for the supremacy of God.
Princess & Her Relationships, the (Part 1)
By Dora Esh1.4K1:51:31ModestyEXO 20:12PSA 68:5MAT 7:12MAT 11:28MAT 22:372CO 13:14EPH 6:1In this sermon, Brother Denny addresses the issue of submission and obedience in relationships. He emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority, even when we may not agree with it. He warns against the dangers of disregarding the guidance of parents and making choices based on personal desires. Brother Denny encourages young women to consider the impact of their actions on their reputation and the potential recommendations they may receive from parents when it comes to finding a suitable partner. He concludes by inviting questions and discussions on the topic.
Princess & Her Relationships, the (Part 2)
By Dora Esh1.3K1:51:31ModestyEXO 20:12PSA 68:5MAT 7:12MAT 11:28MAT 22:372CO 13:14EPH 6:1In this sermon, Brother Denny discusses the importance of submission in the family. He emphasizes that submission is not just obeying when we agree, but obeying regardless of how we feel. He encourages listeners to show respect and build up their family members, even when they may be taking advantage of them. Brother Denny also highlights the importance of playing games together as a way to build friendships and create a joyful atmosphere in the home.
Tent Making 1 Cor 9
By George Verwer1.2K1:13:49Tent MakingEXO 20:12DEU 25:4MAT 6:33ACT 20:35ROM 10:141CO 9:142TH 3:101TI 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following five principles in preaching the word of God. These principles include being enthusiastic, learning the product thoroughly, practicing effective communication techniques, demonstrating sincerity, and considering the needs of the person being spoken to. The speaker encourages the audience to believe that God will provide for their needs and make their prayer meetings more effective. They also emphasize the importance of sincerity in conveying the message and suggest using phrases and presentations that effectively communicate the message. The speaker shares personal experiences of encountering difficult individuals but believes that sincerity can still make an impact.
Commandment vs. Eph. 5
By Milton Green1.2K07:25EXO 20:7EXO 20:12LUK 6:371CO 6:9EPH 5:3EPH 5:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following God's commandments and warns against deception and disobedience. He highlights the sins of covetousness, idolatry, immorality, and impurity, stating that the wrath of God comes upon those who engage in such behaviors. The preacher also emphasizes the need to imitate God and live as saints, avoiding immorality, impurity, and greed. He concludes by stating that those who do not keep God's commandments and refuse to submit to His authority are the ones who hate the Lord and will face judgment according to their deeds.
Chinese New Year Promotes Filial Piety and Parental Love
By Timothy Tow1.2K24:09Parental LoveEXO 20:12PRO 23:22MAT 24:14EPH 6:1EPH 6:14COL 3:20In this sermon, the preacher announces his upcoming anniversary message on the role of a mother in a Christian home. He believes that Chinese New Year is a great opportunity to promote Christian filial piety and parental love. The sermon is based on Ephesians 6:1-4, which emphasizes the importance of children obeying their parents and fathers not provoking their children. The preacher also shares anecdotes about members of his church and their desires for long life, highlighting the significance of Chinese New Year in bringing families together to honor and bless their parents.
Pilgrims Problems No. 13 Hate
By Willie Mullan1.1K55:02HateEXO 20:3EXO 20:7EXO 20:12LUK 14:25HEB 1:8In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses. He highlights each commandment and its significance. The preacher emphasizes the importance of obeying these commandments, particularly the fifth commandment to honor one's father and mother. He also discusses the role of parents in guiding their children in the Lord. The sermon concludes by referencing the book of Hebrews, highlighting the deity and royalty of Jesus as the ultimate source of rest and salvation.
Guidelines to Freedom Part 5 - Family Life - God's Way
By Alistair Begg1.1K43:12FreedomEXO 20:12LEV 19:32PRO 6:20MAT 15:4EPH 6:1COL 3:202TI 3:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the concept of respect and honor. He shares personal experiences of being taught to stand up as a mark of respect for teachers, visitors, and women entering a room. The speaker then challenges the audience to consider their commitment to living out the teachings of the Bible and being radical for Jesus' sake. He highlights the importance of respecting and honoring the elderly, emphasizing that other cultures without the Bible often do a better job of caring for the elderly. The sermon references Proverbs 6:20-23 and Leviticus 19:32 to emphasize the responsibility of parents to teach their children to honor them and the importance of standing up in the presence of old age.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Honor thy father and thy mother - There is a degree of affectionate respect which is owing to parents, that no person else can properly claim. For a considerable time parents stand as it were in the place of God to their children, and therefore rebellion against their lawful commands has been considered as rebellion against God. This precept therefore prohibits, not only all injurious acts, irreverent and unkind speeches to parents, but enjoins all necessary acts of kindness, filial respect, and obedience. We can scarcely suppose that a man honors his parents who, when they fall weak, blind, or sick, does not exert himself to the uttermost in their support. In such cases God as truly requires the children to provide for their parents, as he required the parents to feed, nourish, support, instruct, and defend the children when they were in the lowest state of helpless in fancy. See Clarke's note on Gen 48:12. The rabbins say, Honor the Lord with thy substance, Pro 3:9; and, Honor thy father and mother. The Lord is to be honored thus if thou have it; thy father and mother, whether thou have it or not; for if thou have nothing, thou art bound to beg for them. See Ainsworth. That thy days may be long - This, as the apostle observes, Eph 6:2, is the first commandment to which God has annexed a promise; and therefore we may learn in some measure how important the duty is in the sight of God. In Deu 5:16 it is said, And that it may go well with thee; we may therefore conclude that it will go ill with the disobedient; and there is no doubt that the untimely deaths of many young persons are the judicial consequence of their disobedience to their parents. Most who come to an untimely end are obliged to confess that this, with the breach of the Sabbath, was the principal cause of their ruin. Reader, art thou guilty? Humble thyself therefore before God, and repent. 1. As children are bound to succor their parents, so parents are bound to educate and instruct their children in all useful and necessary knowledge, and not to bring them up either in ignorance or idleness. 2. They should teach their children the fear and knowledge of God, for how can they expect affection or dutiful respect from those who have not the fear of God before their eyes? Those who are best educated are generally the most dutiful. Heathens also inculcated respect to parents. Ουδεν προς θεων τιμιωτερον αγαλμα αν κτησαιμεθα πατρος και προπατορος παρειμενων γηρᾳ, και μητερων την αυτην δυναμιν εχουσων· οὑς ὁυταν αγαλλῃ τις, τιμαις γεγηθεν ὁ θεος. - Πας δη νουν εχων φοβειται και τιμᾳ, γονενων ευχας ειδως πολλοις και πολλακις επιτελεις γενομενας. Plato de Leg., lib. xi., vol. ix, p. 160. Ed. Bipont. "We can obtain no more honorable possession from the gods than fathers and forefathers worn down with age, and mothers who have undergone the same change, whom when we delight, God is pleased with the honor; and every one that is governed by right understanding fears and reverences them, well knowing that the prayers of parents oftentimes, and in many particulars, have received full accomplishment."
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The Fifth Word, "Honour thy father and thy mother," does not refer to fellow-men, but to "those who are the representatives (vicarii) of God. Therefore, as God is to be served with honour and fear, His representatives are to be so too" (Luther decem. praec.). This is placed beyond all doubt by Lev 19:3, where reverence towards parents is placed on an equality with the observance of the Sabbath, and תּירא (fear) is substituted for כּבּד (honour). It also follows from כּבּד, which, as Calvin correctly observes, nihil aliud est quam Deo et hominibus, qui dignitate pollent, justum honorem deferre. Fellow-men or neighbours (רע) are to be loved (Lev 19:18): parents, on the other hand, are to be honoured and feared; reverence is to be shown to them with heart, mouth, and hand - in thought, word, and deed. But by father and mother we are not to understand merely the authors and preservers of our bodily life, but also the founders, protectors, and promoters of our spiritual life, such as prophets and teachers, to whom sometimes the name of father is given (Kg2 2:12; Kg2 13:14), whilst at other times paternity is ascribed to them by their scholars being called sons and daughters (Psa 34:12; Psa 45:11; Pro 1:8, Pro 1:10, Pro 1:15, etc.); also the guardians of our bodily and spiritual life, the powers ordained of God, to whom the names of father and mother (Gen 45:8; Jdg 5:7) may justly be applied, since all government has grown out of the relation of father and child, and draws its moral weight and stability, upon which the prosperity and well-being of a nation depends, from the reverence of children towards their parents. (Note: "In this demand for reverence to parents, the fifth commandment lays the foundation for the sanctification of the whole social life, inasmuch as it thereby teaches us to acknowledge a divine authority in the same" (Oehler, Dekalog, p. 322).) And the promise, "that thy days may be long (thou mayest live long) in the land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee," also points to this. There is a double promise here. So long as the nation rejoiced in the possession of obedient children, it was assured of a long life or existence in the land of Canaan; but there is also included the promise of a long life, i.e., a great age, to individuals (cf. Deu 6:2; Deu 22:7), just as we find in Kg1 3:14 a good old age referred to as a special blessing from God. In Deu 5:16, the promise of long life is followed by the words, "and that it may be well with thee," which do not later the sense, but merely explain it more fully. As the majesty of God was thus to be honoured and feared in parents, so the image of God was to be kept sacred in all men. This thought forms the transition to the rest of the commandments.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Honour thy father and thy mother, &c. Which is the fifth commandment of the decalogue, but is the first commandment with promise, as the apostle says, Eph 6:2 and is the first of the second table: this, though it may be extended to all ancestors in the ascending line, as father's father and mother, mother's father and mother, &c. and to all such who are in the room of parents, as step-fathers and step-mothers, guardians, nurses, &c. and to all superiors in dignity and office, to kings and governors, to masters, ministers, and magistrates; yet chiefly respects immediate parents, both father and mother, by showing filial affection for them, and reverence and esteem of them, and by yielding obedience to them, and giving them relief and assistance in all things in which they need it; and if honour, esteem, affection, obedience, and reverence, are to be given to earthly parents, then much more to our Father which is in heaven, Mal 1:6. that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee; that is, the land of Canaan, which he had given by promise to their fathers, and was now about to put them, their posterity, into the possession of: this further confirms the observation made, that this body of laws belonged peculiarly to the people of Israel: long life in any place or land is a blessing in itself, not always enjoyed by obedient children, thou obedience to parents often brings the judgments of God on persons; so that they sometimes die an untimely or an uncommon death, as in the case of the rebellious son, for whom a law was provided in Israel, and Absalom and others, see Lev 20:9 Aben Ezra takes the word to be transitive, and so the words may be read, "that they may prolong thy days"; or, "cause thy days to be prolonged"; meaning either that the commandments, and keeping of them, may be the means of prolonging the days of obedient children, according to the divine promise; or that they, their father and mother, whom they harbour and obey, might, by their prayers for them, be the means of obtaining long life for them; or else that they, Father, Son, and Spirit, may do it, though man's days, strictly speaking, cannot be shortened or lengthened beyond the purpose of God, see Job 14:5 the Septuagint version inserts before this clause another, "that it may be well with thee", as in Deu 5:16 and which the apostle also has, Eph 6:3 and where, instead of this, the words are, "and thou mayest live long on the earth"; accommodating them the better to the Gentiles, to whom he writes.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
We have here the laws of the second table, as they are commonly called, the last six of the ten commandments, comprehending our duty to ourselves and to one another, and constituting a comment upon the second great commandment, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. As religion towards God is an essential branch of universal righteousness, so righteousness towards men is an essential branch of true religion. Godliness and honesty must go together. I. The fifth commandment concerns the duties we owe to our relations; those of children to their parents are alone specified: Honour thy father and thy mother, which includes, 1. A decent respect to their persons, an inward esteem of them outwardly expressed upon all occasions in our conduct towards them. Fear them (Lev 19:3), give them reverence, Heb 12:9. The contrary to this is mocking at them and despising them, Pro 30:17. 2. Obedience to their lawful commands; so it is expounded (Eph 6:1-3): "Children, obey your parents, come when they call you, go where they send you, do what they bid you, refrain from what they forbid you; and this, as children, cheerfully, and from a principle of love." Though you have said, "We will not," yet afterwards repent and obey, Mat 21:29. 3. Submission to their rebukes, instructions, and corrections; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward, out of conscience towards God. 4. Disposing of themselves with the advice, direction, and consent, of parents, not alienating their property, but with their approbation. 5. Endeavouring, in every thing, to be the comfort of their parents, and to make their old age easy to them, maintaining them if they stand in need of support, which our Saviour makes to be particularly intended in this commandment, Mat 15:4-6. The reason annexed to this commandment is a promise: That thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Having mentioned, in the preface to the commandments, has bringing them out of Egypt as a reason for their obedience, he here, in the beginning of the second table, mentions his bringing them into Canaan, as another reason; that good land they must have upon their thoughts and in their eye, now that they were in the wilderness. They must also remember, when they came to that land, that they were upon their good behaviour, and that, if they did not conduct themselves well, their days should be shortened in that land, both the days of particular persons who should be cut off from it, and the days of their nation which should be removed out of it. But here a long life in that good land is promised particularly to obedient children. Those that do their duty to their parents are most likely to have the comfort of that which their parents gather for them and leave to them; those that support their parents shall find that God, the common Father, will support them. This promise is expounded (Eph 6:3), That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. Those who, in conscience towards God, keep this and the rest of God's commandments, may be sure that it shall be well with them, and that they shall live as long on earth as Infinite Wisdom sees good for them, and that what they may seem to be cut short of on earth shall be abundantly made up in eternal life, the heavenly Canaan which God will give them. II. The sixth commandment concerns our own and our neighbour's life (Exo 20:13): "Thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not do any thing hurtful or injurious to the health, ease, and life, of thy own body, or any other person's unjustly." This is one of the laws of nature, and was strongly enforced by the precepts given to Noah and his sons, Gen 9:5, Gen 9:6. It does not forbid killing in lawful war, or in our own necessary defence, nor the magistrate's putting offenders to death, for those things tend to the preserving of life; but it forbids all malice and hatred to the person of any (for he that hateth his brother is a murderer), and all personal revenge arising therefrom; also all rash anger upon sudden provocations, and hurt said or done, or aimed to be done, in passion: of this our Saviour expounds this commandment, Mat 5:22. And, as that which is worst of all, it forbids persecution, laying wait for the blood of the innocent and excellent ones of the earth. III. The seventh commandment concerns our own and our neighbour's chastity: Thou shalt not commit adultery, Exo 20:14. This is put before the sixth by our Saviour (Mar 10:19): Do not commit adultery, do not kill; for our chastity should be as dear to us as our lives, and we should be as much afraid of that which defiles the body as of that which destroys it. This commandment forbids all acts of uncleanness, with all those fleshly lusts which produce those acts and war against the soul, and all those practices which cherish and excite those fleshly lusts, as looking, in order to lust, which, Christ tells us, is forbidden in this commandment, Mat 5:28. IV. The eighth commandment concerns our own and our neighbour's wealth, estate, and goods: Thou shalt not steal, Exo 20:15. Though God had lately allowed and appointed them to spoil the Egyptians in a way of just reprisal, yet he did not intend that it should be drawn into a precedent and that they should be allowed thus to spoil one another. This command forbids us to rob ourselves of what we have by sinful spending, or of the use and comfort of it by sinful sparing, and to rob others by removing the ancient landmarks, invading our neighbour's rights, taking his goods from his person, or house, or field, forcibly or clandestinely, over-reaching in bargains, nor restoring what is borrowed or found, withholding just debts, rents, or wages, and (which is worst of all) to rob the public in the coin or revenue, or that which is dedicated to the service of religion. V. The ninth commandment concerns our own and our neighbour's good name: Thou shalt not bear false witness, Exo 20:16. This forbids, 1. Speaking falsely in any matter, lying, equivocating, and any way devising and designing to deceive our neighbour. 2. Speaking unjustly against our neighbour, to the prejudice of his reputation; and (which involves the guilty of both), 3. Bearing false witness against him, laying to his charge things that he knows not, either judicially, upon oath (by which the third commandment, and the sixth of eighth, as well as this, are broken), or extrajudicially, in common converse, slandering, backbiting, tale-bearing, aggravating what is done amiss and making it worse than it is, and any way endeavouring to raise our own reputation upon the ruin of our neighbour's. VI. The tenth commandment strikes at the root: Thou shalt not covet, Exo 20:17. The foregoing commands implicitly forbid all desire of doing that which will be an injury to our neighbour; this forbids all inordinate desire of having that which will be a gratification to ourselves. "O that such a man's house were mine! Such a man's wife mine! Such a man's estate mine!" This is certainly the language of discontent at our own lot, and envy at our neighbour's; and these are the sins principally forbidden here. St. Paul, when the grace of God caused the scales to fall from his eyes, perceived that this law, Thou shalt not covet, forbade all those irregular appetites and desires which are the first-born of the corrupt nature, the first risings of the sin that dwelleth in us, and the beginnings of all the sin that is committed by us: this is that lust which, he says, he had not known the evil of, if this commandment, when it came to his conscience in the power of it, had not shown it to him, Rom 7:7. God give us all to see our face in the glass of this law, and to lay our hearts under the government of it!
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:12-17 The remaining six instructions all have to do with human relationships. Many of the stipulations of the covenant with God relate to how people treat each other. This connection of ethical behavior with religious duty is unique in the Old Testament world. There are several ethical law codes known in the ancient Near East, and several of these predate Moses, but all of them are imposed by a human king and have little to do with religion. The pagan gods, meanwhile, were patently unethical and untrustworthy, unlike the God of Israel, whose people worship him by treating others as he does. See also Matt 19:17-19. 20:12 To honor your father and mother is to recognize that you are not self-sufficient and self-existent. This is one important step on the road to humility. Arrogance may produce notoriety, but humility and gratitude are the foundations of a long, full life. Both Jesus and Paul refer to this command (see Matt 15:4; Mark 7:10; Eph 6:1-3).