Exodus 20:6 - Exposition

Shewing mercy unto thousands . Or, " to the thousandth generation ." (Compare Deuteronomy 7:9 .) In neither case are the numbers to be taken as exact and definite. The object of them is to contrast the long duration of the Divine love and favour towards the descendants of those who love him, with the comparatively short duration of his chastening wrath in the case of those who are his adversaries. And keep my commandments . Thus only is love shown. Compare John 14:15-21 ; 1 John 2:5 ; 2 John 1:6 .