Exodus 20:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 20:6
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Chapter Context
Exodus 20 is a legal covenant chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of faith, holiness, wisdom. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
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 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it presents the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) as the cornerstone of biblical law. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 20:6
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Analysis
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
The contrast is staggering: judgment to third/fourth generation, but mercy 'unto thousands' (לַאֲלָפִים, la'alafim)—thousands of generations or thousands of people, either way vastly exceeding judgment's scope. God's 'bent' is toward mercy, not wrath. 'Them that love me' (לְאֹהֲבַי, le'ohavai) and 'keep my commandments' (לְשֹׁמְרֵי מִצְוֹתָי, leshomrei mitzvotai) are parallel—love and obedience are inseparable. Jesus says 'if you love me, keep my commandments' (John 14:15). Obedience isn't legalism but love's expression. Love without obedience is sentimentalism; obedience without love is slavery. The 'thousands' of mercy swallow the four generations of judgment—grace triumphs over judgment (James 2:13).
Historical Context
The 'thousands' of mercy is literally 'to thousands'—in Hebrew often meaning unlimited/infinite. God's mercy extends exponentially beyond His wrath, revealing His essential nature as gracious.
Reflection
- How does the ratio of judgment (four generations) to mercy (thousands) reveal God's character?
- What is the relationship between loving God and keeping His commandments—can they be separated?
Word Studies
- Mercy: רַחֲמִים (Rachamim) H2617 - Compassion, mercy
Cross-References
- Grace: Deuteronomy 7:9
- Love: Deuteronomy 4:37, John 14:15, 14:21, 1 John 4:19, 5:3, 2 John 1:6
- Word: Deuteronomy 5:29
- Parallel theme: Acts 2:39