What is the meaning of Exodus 20:6? But Showing Loving Devotion “but showing loving devotion…” (Exodus 20:6) spotlights God’s active, faithful kindness. • Scripture repeatedly confirms His covenant love: “The LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6). • Unlike the fleeting loyalty of people, His devotion endures (Psalm 136:1). • This phrase follows the warning against idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5), contrasting the destructive path of false worship with the life-giving loyalty of the true God. Cross references emphasize His steadfast love even when judgment is deserved—see Numbers 14:18 and Psalm 103:8. In every era He chooses to bless those who cling to Him. To a Thousand Generations “…to a thousand generations…” expands the promise beyond any single lifetime. • The number is not meant to cap God’s commitment; it stresses immeasurable reach—far greater than “third and fourth” in the preceding verse. • Deuteronomy 7:9 mirrors this thought: “He keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him.” • Psalm 105:8 says He “remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded for a thousand generations.” By placing blessing on the distant horizon, the Lord assures families that obedience today shapes futures they will never personally see. Of Those Who Love Me “…of those who love Me…” reveals relationship at the heart of obedience. • Love is personal affection for God, not mere duty (Deuteronomy 6:5). • Jesus highlights the same principle: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). • Love roots itself in gratitude for redemption—Israel’s rescue from Egypt (Exodus 20:2) and our rescue through Christ (Romans 5:8). The verse does not teach salvation by lineage; each generation must love Him for itself, yet receives the benefit of earlier faithfulness. And Keep My Commandments “…and keep My commandments” completes the picture—love proves genuine by obedience. • Obedience flows from trust in His goodness (Psalm 19:7-11). • New-covenant believers echo this: “This is love for God: to keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). • The linkage guards against sentimental definitions of love; true devotion bows to His revealed will (John 14:23). When children see parents practicing heartfelt obedience, they inherit both example and blessing, inviting God’s continued favor. summary Exodus 20:6 promises that God freely pours out steadfast, covenant love to those who respond to Him with loving obedience. His kindness outstrips His judgments, spanning “a thousand generations,” underscoring that every act of faithful love today can ripple forward in tangible blessing for centuries to come. |
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