How does Deuteronomy 5:20 connect with the Ninth Commandment in Exodus 20:16? Setting the Scene Deuteronomy 5 records Moses’ restatement of the Ten Commandments to the second generation of Israelites poised to enter the Promised Land. Verse 20 echoes the Ninth Commandment first spoken at Sinai: • Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” • Deuteronomy 5:20 – “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” The Same Command, Two Occasions • Sinai (Exodus 20) was the original covenant moment; Horeb (Deuteronomy 5) is the renewal. • By repeating the command, the Lord underscores its continuing authority and relevance, showing that truth-telling is not a temporary rule but a permanent covenant expectation. What “False Witness” Encompasses • Perjury in court: lying under oath to skew justice (Deuteronomy 19:15-21). • Slander and gossip: spreading unverified claims that damage reputation (Proverbs 10:18). • Half-truths and exaggerations: deceit cloaked in selective facts (Leviticus 19:11). • Silence that allows error to stand: “Withholding testimony” counted as guilt (Leviticus 5:1). Why Truth-Telling Matters • Reflects God’s own character—“It is impossible for God to lie” (Hebrews 6:18). • Guards covenant community—justice collapses when testimony cannot be trusted (Zechariah 8:16-17). • Protects the vulnerable—widows, orphans, strangers need honest courts (Exodus 23:1-9). • Stands in contrast to Satan—“When he lies, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44). Positive Side of the Command Instead of merely avoiding falsehood, believers are called to proactive truthfulness. • “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25). • “Do not lie to one another, since you have taken off the old self” (Colossians 3:9). • Commitment to truth is an act of love that seeks a neighbor’s good (1 Corinthians 13:6). Further Scripture Reinforcements • Proverbs 6:16-19 lists “a lying tongue” and “a false witness” among seven abominations. • Psalm 15:1-2 links dwelling in God’s presence with speaking truth from the heart. • Revelation 21:8 warns that “all liars” share in the lake of fire, underscoring eternal stakes. Living the Command Today • Examine speech—emails, texts, social media posts—for accuracy and grace. • Resist sharing rumors; verify before passing on information. • Uphold integrity in business dealings and legal matters. • Teach children the value of honesty as a reflection of God’s nature. • Support systems that protect whistleblowers and truth-tellers in society. Deuteronomy 5:20 is not a mere repetition; it is a holy reminder that truth is covenant currency. By linking back to Exodus 20:16, Scripture calls every generation to mirror God’s truthfulness, safeguarding justice and neighbor-love through honest words. |
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