How does David's action reflect honoring one's parents according to Exodus 20:12? The Fifth Commandment: God’s Heart for Family “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12) David’s Choice under Pressure “He went from there to Mizpah of Moab and said to the king of Moab, ‘Please let my father and mother come here with you until I know what God will do for me.’ So he left them with the king of Moab, and they stayed with him all the time that David was in the stronghold.” (1 Samuel 22:3-4) How David Models the Command • Practical care—David ensured physical safety for Jesse and his mother while he was pursued by Saul. • Prioritizing parents over personal convenience—he risked exposure by appearing before a foreign king rather than let his parents remain vulnerable. • Long-term provision—“they stayed with him all the time,” showing sustained responsibility, not a one-time gesture. • Seeking God’s timing—David said, “until I know what God will do for me,” indicating submission to the Lord while safeguarding his parents meanwhile. Supporting Witnesses from Scripture • Proverbs 23:22: “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” • 1 Timothy 5:8: “If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially his household, he has denied the faith…” • Ephesians 6:2-3 echoes Exodus 20:12, attaching a promise to honoring parents. Key Takeaways for Us • Honoring parents is active—meeting real needs, not merely holding respectful thoughts. • Protection and provision may involve personal sacrifice and creative solutions. • Caring for parents honors God’s design for family and invites His blessing, just as the commandment promises. |
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