What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 5:21? You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife “Do not commit adultery” protects the marriage bed (Hebrews 13:4), but this command reaches into the hidden realm of desire. • Coveting is a heart-level sin—lust that plots rather than loves (Matthew 5:27-28). • Desire aimed at another man’s wife rejects God’s design that “the two shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). • David’s longing for Bathsheba began with a look, grew into covetous desire, and birthed ruin (2 Samuel 11). • In Christ we receive power to “take captive every thought to make it obedient” (2 Corinthians 10:5). You shall not covet your neighbor’s house or field God acknowledges normal appreciation for beauty and productivity, yet warns against the restless craving that resents another’s blessing. • Ahab coveted Naboth’s vineyard, then seized it through deceit (1 Kings 21); the Lord judged him for covetousness that masqueraded as a real-estate deal. • The land allotments in Canaan were God’s gift; envying a boundary line questioned His wisdom (Psalm 16:6). • Paul learned contentment “whether well fed or hungry” (Philippians 4:11-12), showing that peace springs from trusting God’s provision, not acquiring more property. or his manservant or maidservant In an agrarian society, skilled workers meant stability and profit; the temptation was to lure them away or begrudge a neighbor whose household flourished. • Jacob’s sons burned with envy because Joseph enjoyed favor (Genesis 37:11), proving that covetousness breeds betrayal. • Jesus reframed greatness as serving, not grasping for servants (Mark 10:43-45). • The Spirit supplies varied gifts “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7). Rejoicing in another’s talent glorifies God instead of competing with Him. or his ox or donkey Livestock equaled livelihood. Wanting another’s beasts was more than admiring fine animals—it was scheming to possess their earning power. • The tenth plague struck Egypt’s firstborn, yet “not one of the Israelites’ livestock died” (Exodus 9:6); the distinction was God’s doing, not luck to be resented. • Stealing or coveting cattle undermined community trust; restitution laws show how seriously God viewed it (Exodus 22:1). • Jesus teaches us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11), shifting focus from a neighbor’s resources to God’s ongoing supply. or anything that belongs to your neighbor The sweeping finale closes every loophole. If it isn’t yours, don’t set your heart on it. • “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have” (Hebrews 13:5). • Covetousness is called idolatry (Colossians 3:5) because it dethrones God and enthrones the desired object. • Zacchaeus modeled repentance by yielding half his wealth and making fourfold restitution (Luke 19:8), proving that grace breaks the grip of grasping. summary Deuteronomy 5:21 exposes coveting as a hidden theft of the heart. Whether it targets a spouse, property, workers, tools, or any possession, the root is discontent with God’s gifts. By treasuring Christ, relying on His Spirit, and celebrating our neighbor’s blessings, we trade restless craving for restful trust and fulfill the command not merely outwardly but from the inside out. |
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