What does Deuteronomy 5:18 reveal about God's view on marriage fidelity? Text and Immediate Meaning Deuteronomy 5:18 : “You shall not commit adultery.” In the Decalogue’s succinct Hebrew (לֹ֖א תִּנְאָֽף), God expressly prohibits any sexual activity that violates the covenant union of marriage. The negative imperative is absolute, and the verb naʾaph (“to commit adultery”) covers every breach of the exclusive, lifelong bond between one man and one woman. Covenant Framework of the Command The Ten Commandments mirror ancient Hittite suzerainty treaties—identified in the Boghazkoy archives—where loyalty to the suzerain was paramount. In Israel’s covenant, fidelity to God is paralleled by fidelity within marriage; adultery thus constitutes both social treachery and spiritual infidelity (Hosea 3:1). Creation Theology of Marriage Genesis 2:24 establishes the one-flesh union before sin entered the world. Deuteronomy 5:18 protects that design. By prohibiting adulterous rupture, the command guards: 1. The reflection of God’s faithful nature (Psalm 89:33). 2. The procreative mandate (Genesis 1:28) and stable child-rearing environment. 3. The typological picture of Christ and His Church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Moral Gravity in the Torah Leviticus 20:10 assigns capital penalty for adultery, underscoring covenant seriousness. Numbers 5:11-31’s ordeal passage shows due process so that marital fidelity, not suspicion, governs communal life. Prophetic and Wisdom Commentary • Proverbs 5–7 warns that adultery leads to “the chambers of death” (Proverbs 7:27). • Malachi 2:14-16 equates marital treachery with “covering one’s garment with violence,” revealing God’s intense displeasure. Christ’s Expansion and Fulfillment Jesus cites the command verbatim (Matthew 19:18) and intensifies it: “I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). He roots marriage in creation (Matthew 19:4-6), makes fidelity lifelong, and offers grace for the repentant adulterer (John 8:11). Apostolic Confirmation Paul lists adultery among “works of the flesh” that exclude from the kingdom (Galatians 5:19-21) and commands, “Let the marriage bed be undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4). He reiterates monogamous fidelity as a qualification for church leadership (1 Timothy 3:2, 12). Archaeological Corroboration of the Marriage Ideal Royal marriage contracts from Elephantine (5th cent. BCE) show Jewish commitment to one-wife fidelity amid pagan polygamy, matching Deuteronomic ethics and confirming real-world application. Theological Rationale: God’s Faithful Character Yahweh binds Himself to His people with covenantal love (ḥesed). Human marriage mirrors that covenant; therefore, sexual faithfulness is worship. Adultery insults God’s own fidelity (Jeremiah 3:20). Pastoral and Practical Implications 1. Guard the heart (Proverbs 4:23) by cultivating contentment and gratitude for one’s spouse. 2. Build transparent accountability in community (James 5:16). 3. Rely on the Spirit’s power (Galatians 5:16) to subdue lustful impulses. 4. Embrace confession and restoration (1 John 1:9) when failure occurs. Eschatological Outlook Revelation 19:7 depicts the consummation of history as a wedding feast. Earthly marital fidelity anticipates that ultimate union; thus Deuteronomy 5:18 is both a present command and a future-oriented promise. Summary Deuteronomy 5:18 reveals that God regards marital fidelity as a non-negotiable reflection of His own covenant faithfulness, essential for personal integrity, societal stability, and redemptive typology. The command is historically authenticated, theologically central, scientifically beneficial, and ultimately fulfilled in Christ’s unwavering love for His Bride. |
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