How does Psalm 16:4 connect with the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? The Texts at a Glance • Psalm 16:4: “The sorrows of those who follow after another god will multiply; I will not pour out their libations of blood, nor will I speak their names with my lips.” • Exodus 20:3: “You shall have no other gods before Me.” One God, No Rivals • Exodus 20:3 states the command; Psalm 16:4 describes the consequence. • The First Commandment establishes exclusive allegiance to the LORD. • Psalm 16:4 reveals what happens when the command is ignored: multiplied sorrows. Idolatry’s Bitter Harvest • “Follow after another god” → deliberate pursuit of rival deities or loyalties. • “Sorrows… will multiply” → emotional, spiritual, often physical fallout (cf. Deuteronomy 28:15–20). • David distances himself: “I will not pour out… nor speak their names,” modeling obedience to Exodus 20:3. Worship in Full Devotion • Psalm 16:5–6 contrasts the idolater’s sorrow with the faithful person’s secure inheritance: “The LORD is my chosen portion… the boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places.” • Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Joshua 24:14–15; 1 Corinthians 10:14 all echo the single-hearted devotion God requires. • Idolatry today can be anything that competes with God for trust or affection (Colossians 3:5). Living It Today • Examine loyalties—wherever ultimate security is sought apart from God, Psalm 16:4 warns of sorrow. • Guard speech and practice: refuse even symbolic participation in rival worship (1 John 5:21). • Choose exclusive allegiance: obey Exodus 20:3, enjoy the gladness and security promised in Psalm 16:8–11. |
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