Deuteronomy 5:18
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 5:18
18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 5 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, creation, covenant. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it contributes to the biblical metanarrative of redemption. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 5:18
18 Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
Analysis
The seventh commandment 'Neither shalt thou commit adultery' protects marriage covenant and sexual purity. Adultery violates the one-flesh union (Genesis 2:24), betrays covenant vows, and distorts God's design for human sexuality within marriage. This command upholds marriage as sacred, reflecting Christ's relationship with His church (Ephesians 5:25-32). Jesus expands this to prohibit lustful thoughts (Matthew 5:27-28), showing sexual purity begins in the heart. The Reformed tradition applies this broadly to all sexual immorality, defending marriage as covenantal, permanent, and exclusively heterosexual.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures tolerated various sexual practices Israel's law prohibited: temple prostitution, polygamy's abuses, and adultery (though penalties existed). Israel's law prescribed death for adultery (Leviticus 20:10, Deuteronomy 22:22), emphasizing covenant marriage's sanctity. Prophets used adultery metaphorically for Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness (Hosea 1-3, Jeremiah 3, Ezekiel 16). Jesus' mercy toward the adulteress (John 8:1-11) demonstrated grace while upholding the law's standard ('sin no more').
Reflection
- How does the sanctity of marriage reflect Christ's covenantal relationship with the church?
- What does Jesus' expansion of this command to include lustful thoughts teach about God's concern for heart purity, not merely external conformity?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 20:10, Luke 18:20