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Exodus 20:15
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not steal - All rapine and theft are forbidden by this precept; as well national and commercial wrongs as petty larceny, highway robberies, and private stealing: even the taking advantage of a seller's or buyer's ignorance, to give the one less and make the other pay more for a commodity than its worth, is a breach of this sacred law. All withholding of rights and doing of wrongs are against the spirit of it. But the word is principally applicable to clandestine stealing, though it may undoubtedly include all political injustice and private wrongs. And consequently all kidnapping, crimping, and slave-dealing are prohibited here, whether practiced by individuals or by the state. Crimes are not lessened in their demerit by the number, or political importance of those who commit them. A state that enacts bad laws is as criminal before God as the individual who breaks good ones. It has been supposed that under the eighth commandment, injuries done to character, the depriving a man of his reputation or good name, are included, hence those words of one of our poets: - Good name in man or woman Is the immediate jewel of their souls. Who steals my purse steals trash, - But he that filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not covet thy neighbour's house,.... This is the tenth and last commandment, and is an explanation of several of the past; showing that the law of God not only forbids external acts of sin, but the inward and first motions of the mind to it, which are not known, and would not be thought to be sinful, were it not for this law; nor are they known by this law until the Spirit of God by it convinces men of them, in whose light they see them to be sinful; even not only the schemes and contrivances of sin in the mind, the imaginations of it, thoughts dwelling upon it with pleasure, but even the first risings of sin in the heart; and such motions of it which are not assented unto, and unawares spring up from the corruption of nature, and are sudden craving desires after unlawful things, even these are forbidden by this law; which shows the spirituality of the law of God, and the impossibility of its being perfectly kept by fallen men. The apostle has reference to it, Rom 7:7. Several particulars are here mentioned not to be coveted, as instances and examples instead of others. Thus, for instance, "a neighbour's house" is not to be coveted; "nor his field", as the Septuagint version here adds, agreeably to Deu 5:21, a man is not secretly to wish and desire that such a man's house or land were his, since this arises from a discontent of mind with respect to his own habitation and possessions; and a man should be content with such things as he has, and not covet another's, which is not without sin: thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife: and wish she was thine, and lust after her; this is a breach of the seventh command, and serves to explain and illustrate that. This clause stands first in the Septuagint version, as it does in Deu 5:21, nor his manservant, nor maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours'; which, with the first clause, serve to explain the eighth command, showing that we are not only forbid to take away what is another man's property, any of the goods here mentioned, or any other, but we are not secretly to desire them, and wish they were in our possession; since it discovers uneasiness and dissatisfaction with our own lot and portion, and is coveting another man's property, which is coveting an evil covetousness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:15 Stealing is another way of saying that I have an absolute right to my own way, whether I have earned it or not. From the divine side, the prohibition says that God values us even down to our possessions.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Weighed in the Balance (Sermon Reading)
By D.L. Moody15K23:10ReadingEXO 20:8EXO 20:15MAT 5:17MAT 5:27MAT 25:1REV 3:16In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a scene of chaos and destruction, emphasizing the importance of paying attention to the word "Tinkle." He then urges the congregation to consider their own spiritual state and readiness to be weighed in God's balance. The preacher highlights the significance of obeying God's commandments, particularly focusing on the observance of the Sabbath. He warns that neglecting the Sabbath will lead to the downfall of nations. The sermon concludes with a call to examine one's heart and actions, emphasizing the need for repentance and conversion in order to be saved.
Jesus Is the Light of the World - Part 1
By Joshua Daniel1.2K09:42EXO 20:15PRO 11:1PRO 22:6MAL 4:2JHN 8:12JHN 8:23EPH 5:8This sermon by Joshua Daniel emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the light of the world and the need for transparency and integrity in our lives. He challenges listeners to live in the light of Christ, exposing and repenting of hidden sins and dishonest practices. The message highlights the significance of moral revival beyond just economic prosperity, stressing the foundational role of God's Word in restoring integrity and righteousness in society.
Hot or Cold—take Your Pick
By Stanley Fox1.2K1:16:40LukewarmnessEXO 20:12EXO 20:15MAT 19:16MRK 10:172CO 7:1REV 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of being lukewarm in one's faith. He references a verse in the book of Revelation where God says He will "spew out" those who are lukewarm. The preacher then goes on to explain the significance of lukewarmness and why it is important to avoid it. He highlights the importance of being passionate, thankful, and devoted in one's relationship with God. The sermon also touches on the issue of hypocrisy and the need to be genuine in our faith.
Guidelines to Freedom Part 7 - I Was Only Borrowing It
By Alistair Begg87840:54FreedomEXO 20:15EXO 22:1EXO 22:10MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Eighth Commandment, "You shall not steal." He explains that stealing is wrong and explores different ways in which people can steal. The preacher then highlights the positive side of the commandment by sharing the story of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who repented and decided to restore four times the amount he had stolen and give half of his possessions to the poor. Jesus commended Zacchaeus and declared salvation had come to his house. The preacher concludes by urging the audience to reflect on their own lives and consider if they have experienced a transformation like Zacchaeus, emphasizing the importance of obeying the Eighth Commandment.
10 Commandments - Part 4 (Stealing, Lying, and Coveting)
By Shane Idleman76247:46EXO 20:15PSA 96:1PRO 6:16MAL 3:8LUK 16:10This sermon delves into the importance of fully surrendering to God, focusing on Commandments 8, 9, and 10 from Exodus chapter 20. It emphasizes the need to reveal our hearts before God, addressing issues like stealing, lying, and coveting. The message highlights the significance of obeying God's commandments, the fear of God, and the transformation that comes from drawing near to Him in worship and holiness.
41 - Preparation Questions for North Korea Opening
By Ben Torrey69608:23North KoreaGEN 1:27EXO 20:15LEV 25:23DEU 19:14PRO 13:11MAT 22:21ACT 2:44In this sermon, Ben Torrey discusses the importance of preparing for the opening of North Korea through the Prepared People Organization. He emphasizes the need to understand the differences in perspective and assumptions between North and South Korea, as well as how to effectively share the Gospel in a way that can be understood. Torrey also highlights the concept of ownership, stating that as God's creations, we belong to Him and should live our lives in obedience to Him. He further explores the teachings of his father, Father Archer Torrey, on Biblical economics, land, and justice, drawing on the understanding of land from economist Henry George and applying Scripture to all areas of life.
10 Commandments: Commandments 8, 9, & 10
By Shane Idleman3047:46ObedienceSurrender to GodEXO 20:15Shane Idleman concludes his series on the Ten Commandments by focusing on the last three: commandments against stealing, lying, and coveting. He emphasizes that these commandments reveal the condition of our hearts and our willingness to fully surrender to God. Idleman discusses how dishonesty in small matters can lead to larger issues, and he challenges the congregation to examine their priorities, especially regarding money and time. He encourages a deeper relationship with God, highlighting that true worship and giving should come from a place of sacrifice and trust. Ultimately, he calls for a healthy fear of God that leads to a life of obedience and closeness to Him.
The Eighth Commandment
By A.W. Pink0StewardshipTheftEXO 20:15PRO 30:8A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the Eighth Commandment, 'Thou shalt not steal,' highlighting that theft originates from discontent and covetousness. He explains that this commandment governs not only our actions but also our hearts, urging us to respect both our own and our neighbor's property. Pink illustrates the various forms of theft, including dishonesty in business, idleness, and even spiritual theft against God. He encourages believers to engage in honest labor, promote the welfare of others, and cultivate contentment to avoid the pitfalls of theft. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of stewardship and the importance of restitution for wrongs committed.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt not steal - All rapine and theft are forbidden by this precept; as well national and commercial wrongs as petty larceny, highway robberies, and private stealing: even the taking advantage of a seller's or buyer's ignorance, to give the one less and make the other pay more for a commodity than its worth, is a breach of this sacred law. All withholding of rights and doing of wrongs are against the spirit of it. But the word is principally applicable to clandestine stealing, though it may undoubtedly include all political injustice and private wrongs. And consequently all kidnapping, crimping, and slave-dealing are prohibited here, whether practiced by individuals or by the state. Crimes are not lessened in their demerit by the number, or political importance of those who commit them. A state that enacts bad laws is as criminal before God as the individual who breaks good ones. It has been supposed that under the eighth commandment, injuries done to character, the depriving a man of his reputation or good name, are included, hence those words of one of our poets: - Good name in man or woman Is the immediate jewel of their souls. Who steals my purse steals trash, - But he that filches from me my good name, Robs me of that which not enriches him, And makes me poor indeed.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not covet thy neighbour's house,.... This is the tenth and last commandment, and is an explanation of several of the past; showing that the law of God not only forbids external acts of sin, but the inward and first motions of the mind to it, which are not known, and would not be thought to be sinful, were it not for this law; nor are they known by this law until the Spirit of God by it convinces men of them, in whose light they see them to be sinful; even not only the schemes and contrivances of sin in the mind, the imaginations of it, thoughts dwelling upon it with pleasure, but even the first risings of sin in the heart; and such motions of it which are not assented unto, and unawares spring up from the corruption of nature, and are sudden craving desires after unlawful things, even these are forbidden by this law; which shows the spirituality of the law of God, and the impossibility of its being perfectly kept by fallen men. The apostle has reference to it, Rom 7:7. Several particulars are here mentioned not to be coveted, as instances and examples instead of others. Thus, for instance, "a neighbour's house" is not to be coveted; "nor his field", as the Septuagint version here adds, agreeably to Deu 5:21, a man is not secretly to wish and desire that such a man's house or land were his, since this arises from a discontent of mind with respect to his own habitation and possessions; and a man should be content with such things as he has, and not covet another's, which is not without sin: thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife: and wish she was thine, and lust after her; this is a breach of the seventh command, and serves to explain and illustrate that. This clause stands first in the Septuagint version, as it does in Deu 5:21, nor his manservant, nor maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbours'; which, with the first clause, serve to explain the eighth command, showing that we are not only forbid to take away what is another man's property, any of the goods here mentioned, or any other, but we are not secretly to desire them, and wish they were in our possession; since it discovers uneasiness and dissatisfaction with our own lot and portion, and is coveting another man's property, which is coveting an evil covetousness.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:15 Stealing is another way of saying that I have an absolute right to my own way, whether I have earned it or not. From the divine side, the prohibition says that God values us even down to our possessions.