(9) Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children.—There are no sins which so surely entail penal consequences upon succeeding generations as the abominations of idolatry. All idolatry means the degradation of the Divine image in man. But it is not meant here that the soul of the son shall die for the father. The penalty extends only “to them that hate me.” read more
Deuteronomy 5:0 Luther wrote from Coburg on 30 June, 1530, to Justus Jonas: 'I have gone to school again here to the Decalogue. As if I were a boy once more, I learn it word for word, and I see how true it is that "His understanding is infinite" (Psalms 147:5 ). [et video verum esse, quod sapientiae ejus non est numerus.]' Enders, Luther's Briefwechsel, vol. VIII. p. 48. The People of the Covenant Deuteronomy 5:2 The idea of covenant runs through the Bible. It was a very natural figure to use... read more
THE DECALOGUE-ITS FORMDeuteronomy 5:1-21AS the fourth chapter belongs to the speech which concludes the legislative portion of Deuteronomy both in contents and language (see chapter 23), we shall pass on now to the fifth chapter, which begins with a recital of the Decalogue. As has already been pointed out, the main trunk of the Book of Deuteronomy is a repetition and expansion of the Law of the Covenant contained in Exodus 20:1-26; Exodus 21:1-36; Exodus 22:1-31; Exodus 23:1-33. Now, both in... read more
II. THE EXPOSITION OF THE LAW, EXHORTATIONS AND WARNINGS, BLESSING AND CURSE 1. The Proclamation of the Decalogue CHAPTERS 4:44-5:33 1. The introductory words (Deuteronomy 4:44-49 ) 2. The law proclaimed (Deuteronomy 5:1-21 ) 3. Moses, the mediator (Deuteronomy 5:22-33 ) First a general announcement is given of the discourse on the law. The fact is emphasized, that it was set before them after they came forth out of Egypt. Then the victories over Sihon and Og are mentioned once more... read more
5:7 Thou shalt have none {c} other gods before me.(c) God binds us to serve him only without superstition and idolatry. read more
5:9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God [am] a {d} jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth [generation] of them that hate me,(d) That is, of his honour, not permitting it to be given to others. read more
A REVIEW OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (vs.1-22) At the beginning of the wilderness journey God had given Israel the ten commandments. Now at the end of the journey it was necessary that these same commandments should be strongly pressed upon them. They were now to enter the land, but were to have no smug thoughts of so having obtained what was promised them that they would be able to relax and ignore the laws of God. Moses, now at the age of 120 years, had not declined in the energy of his... read more
REVIEW OF THE LAWS THE LESSONS OF SINAI (Deuteronomy 4:0 ) What makes a nation wise and understanding (Deuteronomy 4:6 )? What makes a nation great (Deuteronomy 4:7-8 )? What obligation does one generation owe the next (Deuteronomy 4:9 )? Of all the divine commandments, which are the most important (Deuteronomy 4:10-13 )? Of these ten, which one is particularly emphasized (Deuteronomy 4:15-28 )? How is God’s merciful character illustrated in one connection with these commandments... read more
I hardly think it necessary to comment upon these commandments afresh, after what was offered on this subject in the Commentary for the 20th Chapter of Exodus. I would only beg to point out to the Reader, that there is somewhat of a variation in this new edition of the Commandments, to what was first given in the Book of Exodus. It is a variation only of words however, not of meaning. Perhaps the HOLY GHOST intended by this to teach the LORD'S people, that when at any time from their strength... read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Deuteronomy 5:7
(7) Thou shalt have none other gods before me.—Literally, upon my face, in addition to my presence; or, as Rashi says, “in any place where I am, that is, in the whole world.” “Whither shall I go from Thy Spirit, or whither shall I flee from Thy face?” Idols are, at the very best, only masks which man puts upon the face of God, insulting to His dignity, and tending to conceal Him from our view.(8,9) These two verses should be closely connected, according to the idiom of the original, “Thou shalt... read more