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Exodus 20:5
Verse
Context
The Ten Commandments
4You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Jealous God - This shows in a most expressive manner the love of God to this people. He felt for them as the most affectionate husband could do for his spouse; and was jealous for their fidelity, because he willed their invariable happiness. Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children - This necessarily implies - if the children walk in the steps of their fathers; for no man can be condemned by Divine justice for a crime of which he was never guilty; see Ezekiel 18. Idolatry is however particularly intended, and visiting sins of this kind refers principally to national judgments. By withdrawing the Divine protection the idolatrous Israelites were delivered up into the hands of their enemies, from whom the gods in whom they had trusted could not deliver them. This God did to the third and fourth generations, i.e., successively; as may be seen in every part of the Jewish history, and particularly in the book of Judges. And this, at last, became the grand and the only effectual and lasting means in his hand of their final deliverance from idolatry; for it is well known that after the Babylonish captivity the Israelites were so completely saved from idolatry, as never more to have disgraced themselves by it as they had formerly done. These national judgments, thus continued from generation to generation, appear to be what are designed by the words in the text, Visiting the sins of the fathers upon the children, etc.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not bow down thyself to them,.... Perform any worship to them, show any reverence of them by any gesture of the body; one being mentioned, bowing the body, and put for all others, as prostration of it to the earth, bending the knee, kissing the hand, lifting up of hands or eyes to them, or by any outward action expressing a religious esteem of them, as if there was divinity in them: nor serve them; in a religious manner, internally or externally, by offering sacrifice and burning incense to them; by praying to, or praising of them; by expressing love to them, faith and trust in them, hope and expectation of good things from them, and the like. The reason of this second command, relating to the making and worshipping of images, next follows: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God; jealous of his own honour and glory, and will not give it to another; even to graven images, nor suffer it to be given to them without resenting it; and jealousy is fierce and cruel, and breaks forth into great wrath, and issues in dreadful scenes oftentimes among men; as a man that has reason to be jealous of his wife, and especially if he takes her and the adulterer in the fact, it often costs them both their lives, being so enraged at such an insult upon him, and such a violation of the marriage bed; and thus the great Jehovah, the God of Israel, their head and husband, is represented, in order to deter from idolatry, or spiritual adultery, than which nothing could be more provoking to him: visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children; meaning chiefly, if not solely, the iniquity of idolatry; which being such an insult on his honour, "crimen laesae majestatis", is treated by him as high treason is among men; not only he punishes the authors and perpetrators of it in their own persons, which is meant by "visiting", but upon their children also, which are parts of themselves; and whatsoever is inflicted on them is the same as on themselves, and is an addition to, and a sensible aggravation of their punishment; and especially these are visited in such a manner, when they tread in their father's steps, and fill up the measure of their iniquity. So the Targum of Jonathan,"visiting the iniquity of ungodly fathers on rebellious children: unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; as all idolaters must be thought to do, whatsoever love and affection they may pretend to God, by worshipping idols before him, besides him, along with him, or him in them: "the third and fourth generation" are mentioned, because sometimes parents lived to see these, and so with their eyes beheld the punishment inflicted upon their posterity for their sins, which must be distressing to them; or, however, these being but small removes from them, might impress their minds and affect them, to think what their sins would bring upon their descendants, who would quickly come after them, and share in the sad effects of their iniquities, and so be a means to deter them from them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:5-6 jealous God: God is passionately opposed to our prostituting ourselves with false gods (see Josh 24:19-20). • in the third and fourth generations . . . for a thousand generations: It is important to keep both sides of this equation together. God does not punish children for their parents’ sins. Rather, he is saying that our sins affect future generations of descendants. But he is also restricting the natural effects of those sins to three or four generations, while graciously extending the effects of obedience to a thousand generations (see also 34:6-7; Deut 7:9). • reject (literally hate): The Hebrew words commonly translated “love” (Exod 20:6) and “hate” are difficult to translate into English because they include an act of the will as well as the emotional element we are familiar with. In biblical thinking, to “love” is to choose something and to act consistently in accord with that choice. To “hate” is to reject something and to act in ways consistent with that choice. The choice is connected to emotion: Feeling expresses itself in choices, and our choices show how we really feel.
Exodus 20:5
The Ten Commandments
4You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in the heavens above, on the earth below, or in the waters beneath.5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6but showing loving devotion to a thousand generations of those who love Me and keep My commandments.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Your Reasonable Service
By Leonard Ravenhill11K1:00:38ServiceEXO 20:5DEU 6:13MAT 6:33LUK 9:23ROM 12:11CO 6:19EPH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life and achievements of Blaise Pascal, whom he considers the greatest intellectual in world history. He highlights Pascal's early mathematical genius and his invention of a computer-like machine at a young age. The speaker then transitions to discussing the importance of gratitude and the need for Christians to remember the work of redemption by the mercy of God. He emphasizes the need for discipline and a transformed appetite for God, rather than worldly entertainment.
Visiting the Iniquity of the Fathers
By Keith Daniel2.4K1:37:34SinEXO 20:5EXO 34:6MAT 6:33ROM 8:28EPH 4:321JN 1:9REV 21:4In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a young boy who expressed his desire to attend Bible school and become a preacher. Years later, the speaker encounters a man named Roy who has become a hardened and angry individual, causing fear and distress to those around him. Despite his initial resistance, the speaker refuses to be intimidated by Roy and continues to engage with him. The sermon ends with the speaker affirming that the young boy from the beginning of the story has grown into a man of God, highlighting the transformative power of faith.
A Call to Us
By Basilea Schlink1.6K04:35Radio ShowEXO 20:5MAT 6:24MAT 22:37MRK 8:34HEB 13:8JAS 4:71JN 5:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of giving God the first right to our time, money, possessions, and everything that makes life worth living. The speaker highlights that God is a holy, loving, and jealous God who yearns for our love and dedication. The sermon encourages listeners to turn away from their idols and turn to God alone. It emphasizes the need for zealous love for Jesus and a willingness to sacrifice for His honor, so that others may come to love Him. The sermon also emphasizes the power of faith in Jesus to break the chains of bondage and set us free from idolatry.
A Message of Reconciliation
By Paul Washer1.2K45:24ReconciliationGEN 22:2EXO 20:5PSA 51:5MAT 6:33JHN 3:162CO 5:21GAL 3:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the offensive nature of the gospel and the justice of God in condemning sinners. He highlights the unity of the Scriptures by drawing parallels between the story of Abraham and John 3:16. The preacher discusses the concept of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus bears the sin of the world. He also addresses the question of how God can be both righteous and forgiving, emphasizing the need for justice and consistency in God's character.
The Insanity of Sin - Part 1
By Joy Dawson1.2K41:16SinEXO 20:5DEU 24:16JHN 8:11ACT 24:16ROM 6:231CO 4:52TI 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a clear conscience before God and men. He shares a story about a man who sent telegrams to influential people, causing eight of them to leave town out of fear. The preacher highlights the insanity of sin and urges listeners to come to their right mind and sin no more. He explains that sin is a choice and that we cannot blame others for our own sins. The sermon is filled with references to scripture, emphasizing the authority of the Word of God in teaching about sin.
Our Undivided Love
By Basilea Schlink62904:35Radio ShowEXO 20:5PSA 37:4MAT 6:24LUK 9:23ROM 12:2GAL 2:201JN 4:19In this meditation, the speaker shares a personal experience of realizing that God is jealous in His love for us. The speaker had a job that they loved and were completely immersed in, but Jesus redirected them to a different job because they had been relying on their own strength and ego. The speaker admits to their self-righteousness and feeling forgotten by Jesus, but eventually realizes that they had forgotten God and hadn't loved Him above all else. The speaker concludes by emphasizing the need to prioritize God's will and love above everything else.
Revival in the Home
By Tom Allen45759:53RevivalEXO 20:5NUM 32:23PSA 14:5HOS 4:6EPH 5:17EPH 5:21EPH 5:25EPH 6:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revival of spiritual genetics. He highlights the importance of parents and partners in the revival of love, and the role of giants and genetics in the revival of leadership. The preacher references several Bible verses, including Hosea 4:6, Psalm 14:5, Exodus 20:5, and Numbers 32:23, to support his message. He also discusses the negative influence of sinful superstars on Christian youth and the importance of instilling scriptural value systems in children.
It Ends With Me! Breaking Bloodline Curses
By Vlad Savchuk28137:54Spiritual WarfareCursesGenerational CursesEXO 20:5EST 2:5EST 3:1EST 8:11PRO 3:33LUK 10:19ROM 5:17EPH 6:102TI 1:5JAS 4:7Vlad Savchuk delivers a powerful message on breaking generational curses, emphasizing that many struggles stem from ancestral demons that are passed down through family lines. He proclaims that the cycle of these curses can end with the current generation, encouraging listeners to take authority over their spiritual battles and not to pass on the burdens of their ancestors. Using the story of Esther and Mordecai, he illustrates the importance of confronting and defeating these generational issues through spiritual means rather than natural ones. Savchuk urges the congregation to recognize their identity as curse breakers and to dress in the armor of God, preparing for spiritual warfare against the enemy. Ultimately, he reassures that with faith and action, individuals can claim victory over the curses that have plagued their families for generations.
Understanding Drug Addicts
By Jackie Pullinger4244:30Healing and RecoveryDeliveranceCompassion for AddictsGEN 3:7EXO 20:52SA 13:12PSA 102:17MAT 5:17MAT 11:28MRK 9:24JHN 5:6JAS 5:16REV 3:17Jackie Pullinger emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion towards drug addicts, sharing her experiences with individuals who have faced deep pain and shame. She highlights that addiction is often a response to trauma and that logical reasoning alone cannot help someone overcome their dependency. Pullinger stresses the importance of creating a safe environment for healing, where individuals can admit their struggles and receive support without judgment. She encourages the church to be proactive in providing ongoing care and accountability for those seeking recovery, recognizing that everyone has their own unique journey. Ultimately, she calls for a deeper understanding of the root causes of addiction and the necessity of God's grace in the healing process.
The Doctrine of Man (Sin & the Curse)
By Shane Idleman1553:58SinRedemptionGEN 1:26EXO 20:5ROM 3:23Shane Idleman discusses the doctrine of man, focusing on sin and the generational curse, emphasizing that while sin is passed down through the Adamic nature, believers are not cursed but rather have the opportunity for redemption through Christ. He highlights the importance of understanding our identity as being made in the image of God and the implications of sin on our lives, including the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Idleman also addresses the misconceptions surrounding generational curses, urging believers to seek wisdom and stewardship over their lives and bodies, while ultimately pointing to the hope found in Jesus for breaking the curse of sin.
Matthew 23:29-36. Christ Denounces the Last Woe Against the Pharisees.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0EXO 20:52CH 34:27JOL 2:13MAT 23:29MAT 23:35LUK 11:47HEB 11:41JN 3:18Favell Lee Mortimer delves into the last of the eight woes that Jesus denounced against the Pharisees, focusing on their hypocritical nature, particularly in the building of tombs for the prophets. Mortimer highlights the danger of self-deception in assessing our own characters and urges listeners to examine how they treat believers in the present day. Reflecting on the honor given by Jesus to the martyred prophets, Mortimer emphasizes the consequences of sin passed down through generations and the importance of repentance to break the cycle of curses. Despite the generational impact of sin, God's mercy is available to those who repent, as seen in the example of King Josiah.
Sanctified Parents of Depraved Children
By Daniel Steele0EXO 20:5PSA 51:5ROM 3:23ROM 5:12ROM 7:18EPH 2:31JN 1:8Daniel Steele delves into the complex theological debate surrounding the transmission of sin and grace through generations, challenging the idea that a perfectly sanctified parent would have perfectly holy children. He acknowledges the mystery of heredity and how qualities not visibly present in parents can be passed down from remote ancestors, suggesting that racial depravity may have been transmitted through generations. Steele highlights the unanswered conundrums and objections to the doctrine of Christian perfection, emphasizing that despite criticisms, the truth of Wesley's teachings may still hold. Just as infinite space presents conflicting theories, the complexities of heredity and transmission of spiritual states remain a mystery that requires faith and acceptance.
The Sin of Gambling
By Mose Stolzfus0EXO 20:5PRO 13:11PRO 22:16GAL 6:71TI 6:6Mose Stolzfus delivers a powerful sermon on the sin of gambling, highlighting the alarming statistics of the billions spent on various forms of gambling in America. He emphasizes the moral decline and societal impact of gambling, warning against its addictive and destructive nature. Stolzfus urges Christians to teach their children the wrongs of gambling, rooted in the principles of Scripture, and to cultivate a deep aversion to this vice. He stresses that gambling is a form of covetousness, akin to stealing, and leads to ruin, intemperance, and even eternal consequences.
Questions/answers on the Interpretation of Old Testament Scriptures
By James Blaine Chapman0GEN 6:4GEN 9:20EXO 7:3EXO 9:6EXO 20:5JDG 14:41SA 31:42SA 1:101KI 22:20JOB 2:4PSA 9:16EZK 18:20James Blaine Chapman addresses various questions from the Bible, shedding light on misunderstood passages and providing insightful explanations. From Noah's unintentional vice to the consequences of a father's iniquity on his child, Chapman emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and deeper meanings behind biblical events. He clarifies the significance of God's actions, such as hardening Pharaoh's heart, and highlights the mercy and justice of God in response to human actions. Chapman also delves into the symbolism and historical context of certain terms and practices mentioned in the Bible, encouraging a deeper understanding of God's word.
Day 109, 2 Corinthians 11
By David Servant0EXO 20:5MAT 23:82CO 11:32CO 11:22GAL 1:6GAL 6:17David Servant preaches about the identity of the false apostles in Corinth, who were preaching 'another Jesus' and a 'different gospel,' similar to the Jewish legalists in Galatians. Paul, motivated by love, expressed godly jealousy over the Corinthian believers, warning them against being led astray from devotion to Christ. Believers are cautioned against giving their affections to false or legitimate teachers, arousing God's jealousy, and encouraged to maintain simplicity and purity in devotion to Christ. Paul's perseverance in suffering for Christ's sake serves as an inspiration for believers to sacrificially serve the gospel, keeping Jesus exalted above all.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Jealous God - This shows in a most expressive manner the love of God to this people. He felt for them as the most affectionate husband could do for his spouse; and was jealous for their fidelity, because he willed their invariable happiness. Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children - This necessarily implies - if the children walk in the steps of their fathers; for no man can be condemned by Divine justice for a crime of which he was never guilty; see Ezekiel 18. Idolatry is however particularly intended, and visiting sins of this kind refers principally to national judgments. By withdrawing the Divine protection the idolatrous Israelites were delivered up into the hands of their enemies, from whom the gods in whom they had trusted could not deliver them. This God did to the third and fourth generations, i.e., successively; as may be seen in every part of the Jewish history, and particularly in the book of Judges. And this, at last, became the grand and the only effectual and lasting means in his hand of their final deliverance from idolatry; for it is well known that after the Babylonish captivity the Israelites were so completely saved from idolatry, as never more to have disgraced themselves by it as they had formerly done. These national judgments, thus continued from generation to generation, appear to be what are designed by the words in the text, Visiting the sins of the fathers upon the children, etc.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Thou shall not bow down thyself to them,.... Perform any worship to them, show any reverence of them by any gesture of the body; one being mentioned, bowing the body, and put for all others, as prostration of it to the earth, bending the knee, kissing the hand, lifting up of hands or eyes to them, or by any outward action expressing a religious esteem of them, as if there was divinity in them: nor serve them; in a religious manner, internally or externally, by offering sacrifice and burning incense to them; by praying to, or praising of them; by expressing love to them, faith and trust in them, hope and expectation of good things from them, and the like. The reason of this second command, relating to the making and worshipping of images, next follows: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God; jealous of his own honour and glory, and will not give it to another; even to graven images, nor suffer it to be given to them without resenting it; and jealousy is fierce and cruel, and breaks forth into great wrath, and issues in dreadful scenes oftentimes among men; as a man that has reason to be jealous of his wife, and especially if he takes her and the adulterer in the fact, it often costs them both their lives, being so enraged at such an insult upon him, and such a violation of the marriage bed; and thus the great Jehovah, the God of Israel, their head and husband, is represented, in order to deter from idolatry, or spiritual adultery, than which nothing could be more provoking to him: visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children; meaning chiefly, if not solely, the iniquity of idolatry; which being such an insult on his honour, "crimen laesae majestatis", is treated by him as high treason is among men; not only he punishes the authors and perpetrators of it in their own persons, which is meant by "visiting", but upon their children also, which are parts of themselves; and whatsoever is inflicted on them is the same as on themselves, and is an addition to, and a sensible aggravation of their punishment; and especially these are visited in such a manner, when they tread in their father's steps, and fill up the measure of their iniquity. So the Targum of Jonathan,"visiting the iniquity of ungodly fathers on rebellious children: unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; as all idolaters must be thought to do, whatsoever love and affection they may pretend to God, by worshipping idols before him, besides him, along with him, or him in them: "the third and fourth generation" are mentioned, because sometimes parents lived to see these, and so with their eyes beheld the punishment inflicted upon their posterity for their sins, which must be distressing to them; or, however, these being but small removes from them, might impress their minds and affect them, to think what their sins would bring upon their descendants, who would quickly come after them, and share in the sad effects of their iniquities, and so be a means to deter them from them.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
20:5-6 jealous God: God is passionately opposed to our prostituting ourselves with false gods (see Josh 24:19-20). • in the third and fourth generations . . . for a thousand generations: It is important to keep both sides of this equation together. God does not punish children for their parents’ sins. Rather, he is saying that our sins affect future generations of descendants. But he is also restricting the natural effects of those sins to three or four generations, while graciously extending the effects of obedience to a thousand generations (see also 34:6-7; Deut 7:9). • reject (literally hate): The Hebrew words commonly translated “love” (Exod 20:6) and “hate” are difficult to translate into English because they include an act of the will as well as the emotional element we are familiar with. In biblical thinking, to “love” is to choose something and to act consistently in accord with that choice. To “hate” is to reject something and to act in ways consistent with that choice. The choice is connected to emotion: Feeling expresses itself in choices, and our choices show how we really feel.