CRITICAL NOTES.— Exodus 20:1. All these words.] Concerning which observe (1.) That they _form the basis of the covenant_, of which ch. Exodus 19:3 offers the first proposal; chs. 21–23, the detailed sketch; and ch. Exodus 24:1, the formal ratification. (2.) That they are all _grounded upon the_ e... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 20:4_ THE SECOND COMMANDMENT The Being and Spirituality of God seem to be among the most simple ideas of which the human mind is susceptible; and yet they have been perverted or entirely obliterated by the corruption of our nature. The Being of God is alm... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Exodus 20:7. Take in vain.] Rather: “utter loud” (as for the purpose of solemn attestation) “for falsehood,” _i.e_., in the service of falsehood, to confirm falsehood. (1.) The word _nâsâ_, from the primary notion of “taking up,” “lifting,” “lifting up,” comes to mean, when applie... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Exodus 20:8. Before Me.] That is, “in presence of Me:” suggesting that the Divine presence in Israel would greatly aggravate the sin of idolatry—under the circumstances, the worship of idols would be an affront committed to Jehovah’s face. The expression may admonish us that a due... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Exodus 20:12. Upon the land.] More exactly: “upon the ground” or “soil” (_’adhamah_, not _’eretz_); a term happily used of a people destined to become a nation of agriculturists. Patriotism clings fondly to the “soil” on which a people’s fathers have trod. _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 20:13_ THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT One great source of mischief to society is disrespect to parents; against this God has guarded His people, by directing them to “honour their father and their mother.” Another great source of evil in the world is to be found i... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 20:14_ THE SEVENTH COMMANDMENT Among the various, the innumerable proofs, which God has given of His perfect goodness, the institution of marriage is one of the most beneficent; and it shows especially and abundantly His goodness to fallen man. Those who h... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 20:15_ THE EIGHTH COMMANDMENT: VARIETIES IN THEFT Man is not to regard himself as an individual unit—as living for himself alone—but as forming part of the great aggregate of humanity. The promotion of his true welfare is the promotion of the welfare of t... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 20:16_ THE NINTH COMMANDMENT: THE POWER OF THE TONGUE FOR EVIL Human codes take cognisance of theft and of murder, and seek to repress them by severe punishment; but they do not punish for theft and murder committed by the tongue. We acknowledge the power... [ Continue Reading ]
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 20:17_ THE TENTH COMMANDMENT: INORDINATE DESIRE “Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s.” “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Here are two closely related commands. The negative and positive aspect of a perfectly righteous man’s life. “Thou shalt not... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Exodus 20:19. We will hear.] Kalisch happily remarks that “in the word _v‘nishma_‘AH, with the _he_ paragogicum, lies the readiness and willingness: ‘we will eagerly and gladly hear.’ ” _MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Exodus 20:18_ THE SUPERFICIAL AND THE PROFOUND The law was... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Exodus 20:23. Ye shall not make with Me gods of silver, neither, &c.] We prefer the Massoretic punctuation of this verse, which reveals a delicate appreciation of the meaning, although it entails on us an ellipsis which makes the text appear stiff, and tasks the reader a little to s... [ Continue Reading ]