Bible Basics Explained | Ten CommandmentsSýnishorn

Day 2 | Exodus 20:4-7 | No Blasphemy

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Kris: Welcome back to our travels through the Ten Commandments. We left off yesterday at verse 4, as God commanded:

“You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them” (Exodus 20:4). 

Yesterday we looked at the downward spiral of idolatry, as we make God in our image and in turn reflect what we create. And God adds some explanation for this one.

Jonathan: Back in verse 5:

"You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:5-6). 

K: Jealous here is not the same as envious. God is not jealous of us, He is jealous for us. This is the pure and right jealousy that a good husband feels toward his wife and children. He keeps and protects them selflessly, for their sake. God protects us from idols, and keeps us from their bondage.

J: The word punishing here is somewhat difficult. Does God punish children for their parents' sins? That doesn't sound like God's character, and nothing else in Scripture matches that idea. So what does this verse mean?

K: The Hebrew word is paqad (paw-kadd). It means visit—with some intent—either friendly or hostile. Sometimes it means visit to punish; other times it means visit to help or bless. So which one is this? 

J: Ezekiel 18 helps us here. Fantastic chapter. God spends 32 verses thoroughly explaining that . . .

"The soul who sins is the one who will die. The son will not share the guilt of the father" (Ezekiel 18:20). 

God is just. In fact, even better than justice, God goes on to offer forgiveness to any generation that repents.

K: I love that chapter, and I think that it captures the true meaning here. This is not a generational curse. Generational curses and generational spirits are thoroughly unbiblical ideas. Please read Ezekiel 18 for clarity. Of course, a parent's sin does affect their kids and grandkids by purely natural causes. If mom's alcoholic and dad sleeps around, the kids suffer, no doubt. And God visits them with intent. But I am convinced by the thorough testimony of the Bible that His intention is mercy—an opportunity to turn from their parents' path. Some might disagree here, but please examine your understanding in the light of God's nature throughout Scripture.

J: And He shows love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands. Serving God is a huge blessing to your children, grand kids and onward. A thousand generations covers all of recorded history. Again, Ezekiel 18 says that the son of a righteous man can still sin, and will still pay for it. But again, God shows up with love. Look at Abraham's line, and look at David's line. God kept coming back, yet each generation was accountable for its own sin.

K: And however you read this, know that in Jesus Christ, every curse is broken. Galatians 3 tells us that . . .

"Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13).

J: So even if you do read this as God punishing the next generation, Jesus sets us free to be a blessing to a thousand generations! 

K: Verse 7:

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name" (Exodus 20:7).

J: No blasphemy. When you say God's name, respect it. In the Bible, a person’s name is associated with their character and reputation. Taking God's name in vain—as a curse word or a silly exclamation—cheapens it in our hearing and thinking. 

K: Imagine at your office or classroom that every time something bad happened or someone got frustrated, they shouted your name in anger. Or say they used your name with every dirty joke or snide comment. The way that we use words affects the way we think and feel about the thing they represent. Names matter. So use God's name with respect every time—whether it be Lord or God or Jesus. If you say it, mean it. If you exclaim OMG for no reason, maybe rethink it.

J: This also speaks to swearing or taking oaths in God's name. Jesus said let your yes be yes. Just give your word and keep it. Don't stake God's reputation on your character. 

K: Three down, seven to go. Eight if you're Catholic. But let's break here. The Ten Commandments are a big deal, and worthy of a few days' study. But we also need a reminder of God's purpose for the Law. First off, the Law would set Israel apart—made holy, and marked for His plan.

J: Second, the Law reveals God's character. We see His righteousness revealed in His law. In Romans 7: 

"The law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good" (Romans 7:12).

So Christians should obey the Ten Commandments. But we must not forget that the Law cannot make us good.

K: So what does the Law do for us? We'll come back to that. For now, keep reading Exodus 20, and we'll pick it up at number four tomorrow. 

Next: Read Exodus 20:4-7 & Ezekiel 18:20-32

For Thought & Discussion:

1. Verse 5 reminds us that our God is a jealous God. What do you think that means?

2. The third commandment calls us to not misuse the name of the Lord (or take His name in vain). Why do you think it is so common for people to use the words God and Jesus in exclamations and curses? 

3. Why is it important to respect God’s name? How can we show more respect for God’s name without sounding judgmental every time someone else misuses it? 

All verses are quoted from the NIV.