What is the meaning of Exodus 22:28? You must not blaspheme God - The verse opens by commanding absolute reverence for the LORD. Because He is holy, His name must never be treated lightly or spoken in anger, jest, or disrespect (Leviticus 24:15–16; Psalm 29:2). - Jesus taught the same heart posture when He began the Lord’s Prayer: “hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). - Revering God’s name shapes the way believers speak in every setting: praise, prayer, and daily conversation (James 3:9–10). - To blaspheme is not merely a slip of the tongue; it rejects God’s rightful place as King and Judge. The command therefore guards worship, testimony, and personal holiness. or curse - “Curse” broadens the prohibition to any spoken wish of harm, contempt, or disrespect toward another. - In the wider context of Exodus, life-giving speech is part of loving one’s neighbor (Exodus 21:17; Proverbs 18:21). - New-Testament teaching echoes this call: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14). - Words reveal the heart. A mouth that freely curses people ultimately dishonors the God who made them (James 3:9). the ruler of your people - God established human authorities for order and justice (Romans 13:1–2). Speaking evil of a ruler undermines that order and, by extension, resists God Himself. - When Paul faced the high priest’s injustice, he quickly applied this very verse: “I did not realize, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people’” (Acts 23:5). - Respect does not equal blind approval. Prophets confronted kings, yet they addressed them with honor (2 Samuel 12:7; 1 Kings 18:17–18). - Practical outworking: • Pray consistently for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2). • Address civic concerns respectfully. • Model submission to lawful authority unless it commands sin (Acts 5:29). - Peter sums it up well: “Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). summary Exodus 22:28 binds God’s people to speak with reverence in two directions: upward toward the LORD and outward toward governing authorities. Words that honor God and respect rulers reflect a heart aligned with His rule, protect community harmony, and showcase a distinctively righteous witness in the world. |
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