How does Exodus 21:17 connect with the Fifth Commandment in Exodus 20:12? The Texts Side by Side “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” “Whoever curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.” Why the Two Verses Belong Together • The Fifth Commandment (20:12) sets the positive principle: show respect, obedience, and care for parents. • The case law of 21:17 applies that principle to Israel’s daily life, spelling out what happens when the command is willfully violated. • Together they reveal both the heart of God (honor) and the seriousness of rebellion (death penalty). Honor Defined and Protected • “Honor” (Hebrew kâbēd) conveys weight, glory, and value. Parents are to be treated as weighty, deserving respect and support. • To “curse” (qâlal) means to treat lightly—despise, disdain, revile. 21:17 shows that to strip parents of honor is the polar opposite of God’s intent. • The penalty underscores the covenant reality: rebellion against parental authority is rebellion against God’s established order (cf. Deuteronomy 21:18-21). A Two-Sided Promise and Warning • Promise: honoring parents results in “long days” and stability (20:12; reiterated in Ephesians 6:1-3). • Warning: dishonoring parents leads to death (21:17), either by the court in ancient Israel or by the broader consequences of sin (Proverbs 30:17). Continuity into the New Testament • Jesus quotes both passages when confronting the Pharisees’ neglect of parents (Matthew 15:3-6; Mark 7:9-13), affirming their ongoing moral force. • Paul upholds the Fifth Commandment for believers (Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20), showing that the principle transcends cultures and covenants. What We Learn About God’s Character • He values family order as the first sphere of human authority. • He protects the vulnerable—aging parents—by binding children to honor them. • He takes words seriously; speech that curses life-givers invites judgment (James 3:9-10). • His law weds mercy and justice: honor brings blessing, contempt brings accountability. Practical Takeaways for Today • Show tangible respect: speak courteously, listen attentively, provide care when needed. • Guard your words: refuse sarcasm, ridicule, or harsh tones toward parents. • Teach the next generation: model obedience early so children grasp the weight God places on family honor. |
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