Deuteronomy 5:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 5:9
9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 5 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, faith, 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 provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. 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 5:9
9 Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
Analysis
The prohibition 'Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them' addresses worship posture and service. The Hebrew 'shachah' (bow down) and 'abad' (serve) indicate both external reverence and devoted service. The warning 'for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God' reveals divine intolerance of rivals. God's 'jealousy' (Hebrew 'qanna') is righteous zeal for His honor and His people's exclusive devotion. The threat of visiting 'iniquity of the fathers upon the children' demonstrates covenant solidarity—families and nations reap corporate consequences of idolatry. Yet judgment is limited ('third and fourth generation'), while mercy extends infinitely.
Historical Context
Idolatrous worship involved prostration before images, burning incense, offering sacrifices, temple prostitution, and child sacrifice. Canaanite Baal worship included ritual prostitution and child sacrifice to Molech (Leviticus 18:21). Israel adopted these abominations repeatedly, as prophets condemned (Isaiah 57:5, Jeremiah 7:31). God's jealousy manifested in exile—Assyrian captivity (722 BC) for Israel, Babylonian captivity (586 BC) for Judah, demonstrating multi-generational consequences of persistent idolatry.
Reflection
- How does God's 'jealousy' for His glory and His people's devotion demonstrate holy love rather than petty possessiveness?
- What does the principle of generational consequences teach about the corporate nature of sin and the importance of godly family legacy?
Word Studies
- Iniquity: עָוֹן (Avon) H5771 - Iniquity, guilt, punishment
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 34:14
- Sin: Exodus 34:7, Numbers 14:18, Jeremiah 32:18