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Exodus 20:3
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt have no other gods before me - אלהים אחרים elohim acherim, no strange gods - none that thou art not acquainted with, none who has not given thee such proofs of his power and godhead as I have done in delivering thee from the Egyptians, dividing the Red Sea, bringing water out of the rock, quails into the desert, manna from heaven to feed thee, and the pillar of cloud to direct, enlighten, and shield thee. By these miracles God had rendered himself familiar to them, they were intimately acquainted with the operation of his hands; and therefore with great propriety he says, Thou shalt have no strange gods before me; על פני al panai, before or in the place of those manifestations which I have made of myself. This commandment prohibits every species of mental idolatry, and all inordinate attachment to earthly and sensible things. As God is the fountain of happiness, and no intelligent creature can be happy but through him, whoever seeks happiness in the creature is necessarily an idolater; as he puts the creature in the place of the Creator, expecting that from the gratification of his passions, in the use or abuse of earthly things, which is to be found in God alone. The very first commandment of the whole series is divinely calculated to prevent man's misery and promote his happiness, by taking him off from all false dependence, and leading him to God himself, the fountain of all good.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The First Word. - "Let there not be to thee (thou shalt have no) other gods פּני על פּן," lit., beyond Me (על as in Gen 48:22; Psa 16:2), or in addition to Me (על as in Gen 31:50; Deu 19:9), equivalent to πλὴν ἐμοῦ (lxx), "by the side of Me" (Luther). "Before Me," coram me (Vulg., etc.), is incorrect; also against Me, in opposition to Me. (On פּני see Exo 33:14.) The singular יהיה does not require that we should regard Elohim as an abstract noun in the sense of Deity; and the plural אחרים would not suit this rendering (see Gen 1:14). The sentence is quite a general one, and not only prohibits polytheism and idolatry, the worship of idols in thought, word, and deed (cf. Deu 8:11, Deu 8:17, Deu 8:19), but also commands the fear, love, and worship of God the Lord (cf. Deu 6:5, Deu 6:13, Deu 6:17; Deu 10:12, Deu 10:20). Nearly all the commandments are couched in the negative form of prohibition, because they presuppose the existence of sin and evil desires in the human heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thou shalt have no other gods before me--in My presence, beside, or except Me.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. This is the first command, and is opposed to the polytheism of the Gentiles, the Egyptians, from whom Israel was just come, and whose gods some of them might have had a favourable opinion of and liking to, and had committed idolatry with; and the Canaanites, into whose land they were going; and to prevent their joining with them in the worship of other gods, this law was given, as well as to be of standing us to them in all generations; for there is but one only living and true God, the former and maker of all things, who only is to be had, owned, acknowledged, served, and worshipped as such; all others have only the name, and are not by nature gods; they are other gods than the true God is; they are not real, but fictitious deities; they are other or strange gods to the worshippers of them, that cry unto them, for they do not answer them, as Jarchi observes: and now for Israel, who knew the true God, who had appeared unto them, and made himself known to them by his name Jehovah, both by his word and works, whom he had espoused to himself as a choice virgin, to commit idolatry, which is spiritual adultery with other gods, with strange gods, that are no gods, and this before God, in the presence of him, who had took them by the hand when he brought them out of Egypt, and had been a husband to them, must be shocking impiety, monstrous ingratitude, and extremely displeasing to God, and resented by him; and is, as many observe, as if a woman should commit adultery in the presence of her husband, and so the phrase may denote the audaciousness of the action, as well as the wickedness of it; though, as Ben Melech from others observes, if it was done in secret it would be before the Lord, who is the omniscient God, and nothing can be hid from him: several Jewish commentators, as Jarchi, Kimchi, and Aben Ezra, interpret the phrase "before me", all the time I endure, while I have a being, as long as I live, or am the living God, no others are to be had; that is, they are never to be had; since the true God will always exist: the Septuagint version is, "besides me", no other were to be worshipped with him; God will have no rivals and competitors; though he was worshipped, yet if others were worshipped with him, if others were set before him and worshipped along with him, or it was pretended he was worshipped in them, and even he with a superior and they with an inferior kind of worship; yet this was what he could by no means admit of: the phrase may be rendered "against me" (c); other gods opposition to him, against his will, contrary to obedience due to him and his precepts: this law, though it supposes and strongly inculcates the unity of the divine Being, the only object of religious adoration, yet does not oppose the doctrine of the trinity of persons in the Godhead; nor is that any contradiction to it, since though the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, there are not three Gods, but three Persons, and these three are one God, Jo1 5:7. (c) "contra me", Noldius, No. 1801. p. 731.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:3-17 The terms of the covenant specify the behavior the people were expected to manifest if they were to be in a covenant with God. Only the first four instructions (20:2-11) relate directly to God, while the remaining six (20:12-17) have to do with human-to-human relationships. A covenant with God stipulates how we are to treat each other because God is profoundly ethical, and he expects us to manifest his character in all our relationships. Other law codes in the ancient Near East did not incorporate such absolute prohibitions, probably because polytheism mitigated against absolute principles. In contrast, covenants with a king did include absolute prohibitions because a single king could demand whatever he wished of his subjects. Here the single king is the sole Creator of the universe, who truly has authority to state absolute principles, demands, and prohibitions. 20:3-11 The first four commandments relate to one’s relationship with God. Observing them would foster a correct understanding of God in contrast to the idolatrous notions of deity that the Israelites had encountered in Egypt and would yet encounter in Canaan. 20:3 Not recognizing any other god is the first step toward learning the truth that there are no other gods besides the Lord (see Deut 4:35; 6:4; Isa 43:10-11; 45:21-22).
Exodus 20:3
The Ten Commandments
2“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. 3You shall have no other gods before Me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(The Glory of God) in Motivation
By Paul Washer20K1:04:50MotivationEXO 20:3PSA 19:1ISA 43:6MAT 6:33JHN 17:22ROM 3:231CO 10:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching about God's glory rather than focusing on principles and rules. He criticizes the tendency of pastors to manipulate their congregations with moralistic teachings driven by fear. The speaker believes that only those who truly understand and appreciate the glory of God can lead others to a transformed life. He references Romans 3:23 to highlight the fact that all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory, emphasizing the need for obedience to God's word.
'Eyes Right'
By C.H. Spurgeon13K51:42EXO 20:3PSA 119:105PRO 4:25MAT 7:24JHN 14:61CO 6:20GAL 6:17The sermon transcript is a message from C.H. Spurgeon delivered at the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The main theme is the importance of having a clear and focused purpose in life. Spurgeon uses the analogy of Peter walking on water to illustrate the need to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and not be distracted by past mistakes, present circumstances, fears, or doubts. The sermon emphasizes the need to diligently guard our hearts and all aspects of our nature to avoid sin. Spurgeon encourages listeners to have a straight and persevering path in life, following the right way with determination and concentration.
The Holiness of God
By Paul Washer10K53:51EXO 15:11EXO 20:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of responding to the reality of God's holiness. He starts by highlighting the commandment in Exodus 20:3 to have no other gods before God. The preacher then uses a personal anecdote about feeling fear in a dark cornfield to illustrate the choice between encountering a terrifying human or a Martian, ultimately emphasizing the need for God in our lives. The sermon also touches on the concept of reality and how it should not just be intellectual knowledge, but a living reality in our lives. The preacher concludes by discussing the significance of God's nature and the caution needed when comparing Him to earthly fathers or governors.
The Promises of God - Part 1
By Kathryn Kuhlman7.8K28:49PromisesGEN 1:3EXO 20:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of believing in the word of God. He shares his personal experience of receiving a Bible from God, which has brought him peace. The preacher encourages the audience to stay rooted in their faith and not be influenced by worldly expectations. He also mentions the need to teach the younger generation about the word of God and warns against straying from it. The sermon concludes with a reminder to trust in God and seek strength from Him.
Ark of the Covenant - Part 1
By Major Ian Thomas7.6K1:07:41Ark Of The CovenantEXO 20:3LEV 24:1DEU 6:51CH 13:1MAT 6:33JHN 14:15ROM 12:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Samuel and the Israelites' battle against the Philistines. The Israelites were defeated, and the elders of Israel questioned why the Lord had allowed this to happen. They decided to bring the ark of the covenant to the battlefield, believing it would save them. However, the preacher highlights the importance of a personal relationship with God and obedience to His commands, rather than relying on token obedience or external rituals. The sermon encourages listeners to reflect on their own relationship with God and their practice of the Christian faith.
(Genesis) Genesis 38:24-26
By J. Vernon McGee4.6K06:23GenesisGEN 6:13GEN 12:1GEN 38:18GEN 38:24GEN 46:3EXO 20:3MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being concerned with the size of the crowd when preaching the word of God. He believes that if the word of God is given out, it will have its effect and bring results. The speaker uses the example of Judah communicating with the Canaanites and the tragic consequences that followed. He also addresses the idea that in order to reach this generation, one must come down to their level and communicate with them. However, the speaker argues that God never asked us to compromise, but rather to give the message of God without fear of losing the crowd.
Old Time Religion
By Vance Havner4.4K20:50RighteousnessEXO 20:3ISA 66:24MAT 12:30MRK 9:43LUK 11:23In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of society and the abundance of leisure time that people have. He emphasizes the importance of knowing certain truths rather than being unsure about many things. The speaker firmly believes in the Bible as the word of God and highlights the significance of love and following the Ten Commandments. He also mentions the idea that one cannot break the law of God, but rather, they break themselves against it. The sermon concludes with the notion that true goodness lies in salvation rather than in one's own goodness or badness.
Forsaking God
By B.H. Clendennen4.4K48:57RebellionEXO 20:3PSA 119:11PRO 1:7HOS 4:6MAT 6:331CO 1:18JUD 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having knowledge and understanding of God's Word. He quotes Hosea 4:6, which states that God's people are disturbed for lack of knowledge. The preacher warns against rejecting knowledge and forgetting the law of God, as it can lead to negative consequences, even affecting future generations. He shares a personal experience of being convicted by the Holy Spirit for watching inappropriate content and emphasizes the need for sensitivity to God's voice and the importance of allowing Him to probe deep into our spirits.
The Sin of Silence
By Laurence White3.6K42:51EXO 20:3ISA 58:1EZK 33:6MAT 5:13ROM 13:3EPH 6:10JAS 4:17In this sermon, the speaker urges Christians in America to take action against evil and fight for righteousness. He references the story of the White Rose, a group of university students in Munich who resisted the Hitler regime, as an example of the courage and faith needed in times of trial. The speaker emphasizes the importance of using the current moment, or "kairos," as an opportunity to serve God and preserve the legacy of faith and freedom. He also criticizes the lack of moral leadership in politics and calls for a return to righteousness and justice in the nation's business.
Hell's Best Kept Secret (French)
By Ray Comfort3.5K56:00EvangelismEXO 20:3LUK 10:25JHN 1:45JHN 3:1ACT 2:1ROM 3:201TI 1:8In this sermon, the speaker tells a story about two men in a plane, one given a parachute and told it would improve his flight. The first man initially doubts the parachute's effectiveness and is humiliated by other passengers when he puts it on. He eventually takes it off, thinking the captain doesn't mean it. The second man, however, gratefully puts on the parachute because he knows he will be jumping out of the plane. The speaker uses this story to illustrate the importance of understanding the true motive and purpose behind our actions, particularly in the context of personal evangelization.
God's Grief Over His People
By David Wilkerson3.5K42:50RepentanceEXO 20:3PSA 37:7ISA 51:1ISA 58:1MAT 6:33ROM 15:4HEB 3:12In this sermon, the minister shares various stories and concerns about the state of the church and God's people. He mentions a pastor whose wife left him, grandparents who feel disconnected from their Christian grandchildren, and a church in New Jersey that has started incorporating ballroom dancing into their services. The minister also shares a powerful testimony of a woman named Lucy who had a personal encounter with Jesus, where he expressed his weariness with his bride, the church. The sermon emphasizes the need for God's people to love and prioritize their relationship with Him, as He desires to be loved by His bride.
Cain and Abel (The First Murder) - Part 2
By Art Katz3.4K37:53Cain and AbelGEN 3:21GEN 4:4EXO 20:31KI 18:251KI 18:272CH 24:21MAT 17:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of choosing between two opposing paths in the last days. They highlight the contrast between the biblical view of reality and the world's definition of what is real. The speaker warns that those who hold onto biblical principles may face persecution and have their children taken away. They encourage believers to stand firm in their faith and praise God for the unmovable foundations and wisdom found in Scripture.
Must I Live
By Vance Havner3.4K25:25EXO 20:3MAT 10:37LUK 14:26ACT 5:29ACT 20:241CO 2:2REV 12:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses three verses from the Bible that present a challenge to believers. The first verse is from Luke 14:26, where Jesus says that anyone who does not hate their family and even their own life cannot be his disciple. The second verse is from Acts 20:24, where Paul declares that he does not consider his own life dear to himself, but rather focuses on finishing his ministry joyfully. The third verse is from Revelation 12:23, which speaks of overcoming the devil through the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. The preacher emphasizes the importance of stewardship and recounts the story of his father, a faithful preacher who served God with plain faith. He contrasts the devil's way of valuing life with the example of Jim Elliott, a missionary who willingly gave his life for the sake of the gospel. The preacher concludes by highlighting the significance of serving Christ and glorifying Him, even if it means having nothing in the world's eyes but possessing everything in God's kingdom.
Almost Persuaded
By Jim Cymbala2.9K37:23Christian LifeGEN 6:5EXO 20:31KI 15:26PRO 14:12ISA 59:2MAT 22:39ACT 16:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of setting good examples in life. He shares a personal experience of witnessing three young men being arrested and reflects on how their lives took a wrong turn due to following the wrong examples. The speaker also highlights the mercy of God and how he becomes angry when people waste their lives. He mentions the story of God's people in the Bible and how they faced consequences for their actions. The sermon concludes with a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the opportunity for redemption and eternal life through faith in Him.
A Living Church
By Bakht Singh2.3K30:09ChurchEXO 20:3MAT 6:33JHN 13:34In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the Divine Order in our lives. The congregation is encouraged to conform their souls to the teachings of God and strengthen their faith through fellowship and other means. The speaker mentions the need to be ready for the coming civilization and highlights the significance of purity, government service, and obedience to authority. The sermon also emphasizes the unity of the congregation as they strive to follow the Divine Order and fulfill their ministry and service to God.
Have You Ever Heard of Asa?
By Russell Kelfer2.2K29:16Humble YourselfGEN 22:18EXO 20:31SA 15:221KI 15:112CH 14:1MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Asa from the Bible. He emphasizes that God is looking for obedience, not talent or intellect. The preacher asks the audience if they have ever heard of Asa, and only a small percentage raise their hands. He then goes on to explain that Asa was a man who turned the hearts of the people back to God by tearing down idols and teaching them to seek the Lord and observe His commandments. The preacher highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in tearing down enemy strongholds and teaching people to walk with God.
Separation From False Worship, Idolatry & Popish Principles
By John Calvin2.2K48:09EXO 20:3DEU 6:5PSA 16:4PSA 69:9MAT 6:331CO 10:141JN 5:21In this sermon on Psalm 16:4, John Calvin emphasizes the importance of dedicating ourselves to God once we have come to know Him as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. He warns against idolatry and the worship of false gods, stating that those who give idols the honor due to God are estranged from Him. Calvin urges believers to reject superstitions, idolatries, and abuses that go against God's truth and obscure His honor. He encourages Christians to persevere in their faith and remain steadfast in the pure profession of their beliefs.
God's Marvelous Grace
By Chuck Smith2.1K27:29GraceGEN 12:7EXO 20:3EXO 32:8DEU 7:1PSA 1:2PSA 19:10EZK 11:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downward spiral of the nation of Israel as they turned away from God. Despite God sending prophets to warn them and call them back to Him, the people refused to listen and even persecuted the prophets. The speaker then focuses on Ezekiel chapter 11, where God promises to give the people a new heart and spirit so that they may walk in His ways. The sermon also highlights the current trend in the church to avoid mentioning sin and judgment, instead focusing on creating a seeker-friendly atmosphere.
Christ Our Life - Part 1
By Art Katz1.9K59:27ChristGEN 6:14EXO 20:3ISA 63:10MAT 16:24JHN 15:4COL 1:27In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of preparing for a speaking engagement. He describes how he fasted for five days in order to seek God's guidance and inspiration for his message. Despite feeling inadequate and haunted by past criticisms, he ultimately learns to trust in God's enablement. The speaker emphasizes the importance of availing oneself of God's power and not relying solely on human effort.
Raising the Bar Part 1 - Sons (f.b.c. in Killen, Al)
By Paul Washer1.8K54:05GEN 1:26EXO 20:3DEU 6:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of doing the will of God and advancing His glory in the world. He compares this mindset to that of a slave who only has to focus on his master's will, while the master takes care of his needs. The speaker also highlights the lack of responsibility and accountability in society, particularly in regards to raising children. He warns about the negative influences and teachings that children may encounter in public schools, and encourages parents to be intentional in teaching and guiding their children according to God's commands.
Memorial Service
By W.A. Criswell1.6K2:34:24GEN 1:1EXO 20:3MAT 22:37JHN 3:16ROM 10:172TI 3:16REV 22:18In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following certain instructions during worship. He shares a personal anecdote about lending money to a fellow preacher. The sermon then shifts to the message of salvation through faith in Jesus. The preacher emphasizes that anyone can be saved by simply looking to Jesus. The sermon concludes with a tribute to a pastor who had a positive attitude and unwavering dedication to his ministry, even in the face of challenges and illness. The preacher reminds the congregation that although physical things may fade away, the word of God will endure forever.
Dangers in Spiritualist Practices
By Jim Logan1.6K46:35OccultEXO 20:3DEU 6:4JOS 24:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of not synchronizing Spiritistic teachings with Christianity. He refers to the book of Joshua, specifically chapter 24, where Joshua gives a strong message to the children of Israel about choosing who they will serve. The speaker shares a personal story about a young man who had gotten rid of Spiritistic teachings but had not fully surrendered to God, allowing the enemy to have a hold on his life. The speaker emphasizes the need to continually surrender to God and not allow the enemy to regain ground in our lives.
(Through the Bible) 2 Chronicles 10-13
By Chuck Smith1.6K31:11ExpositionalEXO 20:31KI 11:12CH 13:102CH 13:12PRO 3:5MAT 26:31In this sermon, the speaker discusses the history of Israel and their rebellion against God. He mentions how God had made a covenant with David that there would always be a king from his seed on the throne. However, the people of Israel set up Jeroboam as their king and began worshiping golden calves instead of God. The speaker also talks about the decline of the nation under the reign of Rehoboam and expresses concern about the rapid downward trend of their nation. He emphasizes the importance of turning back to God and seeking His forgiveness in order to heal the land.
(Through the Bible) Exodus 19-20
By Chuck Smith1.5K51:29EXO 19:9EXO 20:3EXO 20:7JOL 2:13MAT 19:21MAT 22:37In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a right relationship with God in order to have a right relationship with others. He explains that the first law is to have no other gods before God, and uses the example of a rich young ruler who claimed to have kept all the commandments. Jesus challenged him to sell all his possessions and follow Him, revealing that the man's possessions were his god. The preacher highlights the need to serve God in a way that draws attention to Him, rather than ourselves. He concludes by encouraging the listeners to desire and fulfill God's law, and to seek transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Rebuilding the House of the Lord) 4. a New Phase as Ezra Appears
By Roy Hession1.5K53:01EzraGEN 12:1EXO 20:3EZR 7:27EZR 8:21EZR 9:1MAT 6:33JAS 4:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses the journey of the Israelites from Babylon to Jerusalem, which took them four months on foot. Despite the risks of being robbed or ambushed, they successfully completed the journey and delivered their wealth to the priests in Jerusalem. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having confidence in God, as exemplified by the river Ahava, which is named after a brother who finds his confidence in God. The sermon also highlights the need for repentance and not presuming on past blessings, as demonstrated by the speaker's own experience of panicking and realizing the depth of study required for the scriptures. The overall theme of the sermon is the restoration of the temple and Jerusalem, seen as a symbol of personal and corporate revival.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Thou shalt have no other gods before me - אלהים אחרים elohim acherim, no strange gods - none that thou art not acquainted with, none who has not given thee such proofs of his power and godhead as I have done in delivering thee from the Egyptians, dividing the Red Sea, bringing water out of the rock, quails into the desert, manna from heaven to feed thee, and the pillar of cloud to direct, enlighten, and shield thee. By these miracles God had rendered himself familiar to them, they were intimately acquainted with the operation of his hands; and therefore with great propriety he says, Thou shalt have no strange gods before me; על פני al panai, before or in the place of those manifestations which I have made of myself. This commandment prohibits every species of mental idolatry, and all inordinate attachment to earthly and sensible things. As God is the fountain of happiness, and no intelligent creature can be happy but through him, whoever seeks happiness in the creature is necessarily an idolater; as he puts the creature in the place of the Creator, expecting that from the gratification of his passions, in the use or abuse of earthly things, which is to be found in God alone. The very first commandment of the whole series is divinely calculated to prevent man's misery and promote his happiness, by taking him off from all false dependence, and leading him to God himself, the fountain of all good.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The First Word. - "Let there not be to thee (thou shalt have no) other gods פּני על פּן," lit., beyond Me (על as in Gen 48:22; Psa 16:2), or in addition to Me (על as in Gen 31:50; Deu 19:9), equivalent to πλὴν ἐμοῦ (lxx), "by the side of Me" (Luther). "Before Me," coram me (Vulg., etc.), is incorrect; also against Me, in opposition to Me. (On פּני see Exo 33:14.) The singular יהיה does not require that we should regard Elohim as an abstract noun in the sense of Deity; and the plural אחרים would not suit this rendering (see Gen 1:14). The sentence is quite a general one, and not only prohibits polytheism and idolatry, the worship of idols in thought, word, and deed (cf. Deu 8:11, Deu 8:17, Deu 8:19), but also commands the fear, love, and worship of God the Lord (cf. Deu 6:5, Deu 6:13, Deu 6:17; Deu 10:12, Deu 10:20). Nearly all the commandments are couched in the negative form of prohibition, because they presuppose the existence of sin and evil desires in the human heart.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Thou shalt have no other gods before me--in My presence, beside, or except Me.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shalt have no other gods before me. This is the first command, and is opposed to the polytheism of the Gentiles, the Egyptians, from whom Israel was just come, and whose gods some of them might have had a favourable opinion of and liking to, and had committed idolatry with; and the Canaanites, into whose land they were going; and to prevent their joining with them in the worship of other gods, this law was given, as well as to be of standing us to them in all generations; for there is but one only living and true God, the former and maker of all things, who only is to be had, owned, acknowledged, served, and worshipped as such; all others have only the name, and are not by nature gods; they are other gods than the true God is; they are not real, but fictitious deities; they are other or strange gods to the worshippers of them, that cry unto them, for they do not answer them, as Jarchi observes: and now for Israel, who knew the true God, who had appeared unto them, and made himself known to them by his name Jehovah, both by his word and works, whom he had espoused to himself as a choice virgin, to commit idolatry, which is spiritual adultery with other gods, with strange gods, that are no gods, and this before God, in the presence of him, who had took them by the hand when he brought them out of Egypt, and had been a husband to them, must be shocking impiety, monstrous ingratitude, and extremely displeasing to God, and resented by him; and is, as many observe, as if a woman should commit adultery in the presence of her husband, and so the phrase may denote the audaciousness of the action, as well as the wickedness of it; though, as Ben Melech from others observes, if it was done in secret it would be before the Lord, who is the omniscient God, and nothing can be hid from him: several Jewish commentators, as Jarchi, Kimchi, and Aben Ezra, interpret the phrase "before me", all the time I endure, while I have a being, as long as I live, or am the living God, no others are to be had; that is, they are never to be had; since the true God will always exist: the Septuagint version is, "besides me", no other were to be worshipped with him; God will have no rivals and competitors; though he was worshipped, yet if others were worshipped with him, if others were set before him and worshipped along with him, or it was pretended he was worshipped in them, and even he with a superior and they with an inferior kind of worship; yet this was what he could by no means admit of: the phrase may be rendered "against me" (c); other gods opposition to him, against his will, contrary to obedience due to him and his precepts: this law, though it supposes and strongly inculcates the unity of the divine Being, the only object of religious adoration, yet does not oppose the doctrine of the trinity of persons in the Godhead; nor is that any contradiction to it, since though the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Spirit is God, there are not three Gods, but three Persons, and these three are one God, Jo1 5:7. (c) "contra me", Noldius, No. 1801. p. 731.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:3-17 The terms of the covenant specify the behavior the people were expected to manifest if they were to be in a covenant with God. Only the first four instructions (20:2-11) relate directly to God, while the remaining six (20:12-17) have to do with human-to-human relationships. A covenant with God stipulates how we are to treat each other because God is profoundly ethical, and he expects us to manifest his character in all our relationships. Other law codes in the ancient Near East did not incorporate such absolute prohibitions, probably because polytheism mitigated against absolute principles. In contrast, covenants with a king did include absolute prohibitions because a single king could demand whatever he wished of his subjects. Here the single king is the sole Creator of the universe, who truly has authority to state absolute principles, demands, and prohibitions. 20:3-11 The first four commandments relate to one’s relationship with God. Observing them would foster a correct understanding of God in contrast to the idolatrous notions of deity that the Israelites had encountered in Egypt and would yet encounter in Canaan. 20:3 Not recognizing any other god is the first step toward learning the truth that there are no other gods besides the Lord (see Deut 4:35; 6:4; Isa 43:10-11; 45:21-22).