Commandment Five

Exodus 20:12 ““Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

1. Commandment five holds a positive theme that is not reflected in the other commandments

2. Honor holds a dual meaning of glory and respect.

3. Both fathers and mothers are to receive equal honor.

4. Specific context vs. universal truth

Ephesians 6:1 “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

Ephesians 6:2 ““Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),”

Ephesians 6:3 ““that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.””

a. Specific- Live long in the promised land

b. Universal- Longevity of life

5. Consequences for breaking this commandment were later detailed and were severe

Exodus 21:17 ““Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death.”

Leviticus 20:9 “For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him.”

Proverbs 20:20 “If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.”

6. Commandment five is not just for adolescents, but for the entire family dynamic.

Ephesians 6:4 “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

7. Our relationship with God will often be reflected in our relationship with our parents