The Ten Commandments - Lesson 10: The Eighth Commandment

The Ten Commandments

Lesson 10: The Eighth Commandment

Exodus 20:15 You shall not steal.

Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.

Steal

1. To take and carry away, feloniously; to take without right or leave, and with intent to keep wrongfully; as, to steal the personal goods of another.

3. To gain by insinuating arts or covert means.

“steal.” Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language 1913.

The Main Points for This Lesson:

We steal different things in different ways (Leviticus 19:11-12). Some take without asking; by threatening, force, or violence; by telling a lie to get something; by swearing falsely (remember the third commandment: some swear falsely in God's name, or use God's name to get what they otherwise could not get); by deceiving someone by not telling the whole truth and allowing the other to believe a lie; by borrowing and not returning (Psalm 37:21); by not giving what we owe (such as giving to Caesar what is Caesar's); by helping someone else to steal something in one way or another (Proverbs 29:24); etc.

Some forms of stealing seem terrible, such as using violence to take something. Some forms of stealing seem harmless, as if it is not really stealing, such as copying music without permission. All forms of stealing are still stealing. God said, Do not steal.

God's word tells us that we can even steal from God. We steal from God in two ways. 1) God provides for our needs. We are to give back to God some of what he gives us. When we don't give something back to God from what we earn, we steal from God, who provides all good things for us (Malachi 3:8-10). 2) We are made in the image of God. The Son of God died and rose again for us. Christians are to give themselves to God (Luke 20:24-25), and to no longer live for themselves but for Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:15). We steal from God when we do not give ourselves to him and live for him as we ought.

Stealing comes from the heart (Matthew 15:19), and leads to habits. We should be careful not to let our hearts be filled with coveting (wanting what others have).

Instead of stealing we should work so that we have something to share with others, especially those in need (Ephesians 4:28). We should learn to be content with what God has provided for us. And instead of coveting someone else's things, we should learn to take care of another person's property (Deuteronomy 22:1-4).

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

You can ask the children if they can think of different ways that people steal things. They may like to write a list on the chalkboard. You could ask them if it would be okay if someone stole from them one way instead of another way. This can be used to explain to them that all forms of stealing are wrong.

Use the story of Gehazi (2 Kings 5:9-27) stealing from Naaman to illustrate this commandment. You could ask questions about the story: How did Gehazi steal from Naaman? Wwhat did he steal? Why did he steal from Naaman? Naaman didn't know that Gehazi was lying to him, does that mean it was okay for Gehazi to take those things from Naaman? What did Gehazi's first lie lead to? What happened to Gehazi in the end?

All the children will likely understand the idea of stealing. For the younger children, it may be helpful to apply this to their own level of life experience. Do they take someone else's toy without asking, or in some other way? Has someone taken something from them?

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

2 Kings 5:14-27 [14] Then went he down, and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean. [15] He returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came, and stood before him; and he said, “See now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel. Now therefore, please take a gift from your servant.” [16] But he said, “As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” He urged him to take it; but he refused. [17] Naaman said, “If not, then, please let two mules’ burden of earth be given to your servant; for your servant will from now on offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to other gods, but to Yahweh. [18] In this thing may Yahweh pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon. When I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, may Yahweh pardon your servant in this thing.” [19] He said to him, “Go in peace.” So he departed from him a little way.

[20] But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at his hands that which he brought. As Yahweh lives, I will run after him, and take something from him.” [21] So Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after him, he came down from the chariot to meet him, and said, “Is all well?” [22] He said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Behold, even now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’” [23] Naaman said, “Be pleased to take two talents.” He urged him, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants; and they carried them before him. [24] When he came to the hill, he took them from their hand, and stored them in the house. Then he let the men go, and they departed. [25] But he went in, and stood before his master. Elisha said to him, “Where did you come from, Gehazi?” He said, “Your servant went nowhere.” [26] He said to him, “Didn’t my heart go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive groves and vineyards, and sheep and cattle, and male servants and female servants? [27] Therefore the leprosy of Naaman will cling to you and to your seed forever.” He went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow.

Gehazi did not take the silver or clothing from Naaman by force. In fact, Naaman willingly gave the items to Gehazi. Nonetheless, Gehazi stole these items, in that he obtained these things by telling a lie. Not only did he lie to Naaman, but one lie led to another. In his desire to keep the items, he lied to Elisha as well. Yet he was found out, and received Naaman's leprosy for what he had done.

More Stories and Examples:

Genesis 21:25 – Abraham complained to Abimelech because of a water well, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.

Genesis 27 – Jacob steals blessing from his father; also, Rebekah is one who organizes the stealing of the blessing

Genesis 29,31 – Laban takes advantage of Jacob in the matter of his daughters, and in the matter of payment.

Genesis 31:17-19,30-37 [17] Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives on the camels, [18] and he took away all his livestock, and all his possessions which he had gathered, including the livestock which he had gained in Paddan Aram, to go to Isaac his father, to the land of Canaan. [19] Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep: and Rachel stole the teraphim that were her father’s.

[30] Now, you want to be gone, because you greatly longed for your father’s house, but why have you stolen my gods?” [31] Jacob answered Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Lest you should take your daughters from me by force.’ [32] Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it.” For Jacob didn’t know that Rachel had stolen them. [33] Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the tent of the two female servants; but he didn’t find them. He went out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s tent. [34] Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt about all the tent, but didn’t find them. [35] She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He searched, but didn’t find the teraphim. [36] Jacob was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacob answered Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued after me? [37] Now that you have felt around in all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it here before my relatives and your relatives, that they may judge between us two.

Genesis 35:16-19 [16] They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. She had hard labor. [17] When she was in hard labor, the midwife said to her, “Don’t be afraid, for now you will have another son.” [18] As her soul was departing (for she died), she named him Benoni, but his father named him Benjamin. [19] Rachel died, and was buried on the way to Ephrath (the same is Bethlehem).

Not too long after the events in Genesis 31, in which Jacob cursed whoever stole Laban's idols, Rachel died in childbirth. Some consider her death the result of her theft and the curse put upon her as the one who stole.

Judges 17-18 – This is the story of Micah, who stole from his mother, and eventually that money was stolen from him.

1 Kings 21 – Jezebel takes Naboth's vineyard for Ahab. Ahab gladly receives what was taken by deceit and violence.

Proverbs 1:7-19 [7] The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction. [8] My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching: [9] for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck. [10] My son, if sinners entice you, don’t consent. [11] If they say, “Come with us, Let’s lay in wait for blood; let’s lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; [12] let’s swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit. [13] We’ll find all valuable wealth. We’ll fill our houses with plunder. [14] You shall cast your lot among us. We’ll all have one purse.” [15] My son, don’t walk on the path with them. Keep your foot from their path, [16] for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood. [17] For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird: [18] but these lay wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives. [19] So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners.

Luke 19:1-10 [8] Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much.” [9] Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.

It seems that Zacchaeus had stolen by charging people more taxes than they actually owed. He would keep the extra tax money he charged the people for himself.

John 12:1-8 [1] Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. [2] So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. [3] Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. [4] Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said, [5] “Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?” [6] Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it. [7] But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial. [8] For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.”

Other Verses:

Exodus 22:1,4 [1] “If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it, or sells it; he shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. [4] If the stolen property is found in his hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, he shall pay double.

Leviticus 6:1-7 [1] Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, [2] “If anyone sins, and commits a trespass against Yahweh, and deals falsely with his neighbor in a matter of deposit, or of bargain, or of robbery, or has oppressed his neighbor, [3] or has found that which was lost, and dealt falsely therein, and swearing to a lie; in any of all these things that a man does, sinning therein; [4] then it shall be, if he has sinned, and is guilty, he shall restore that which he took by robbery, or the thing which he has gotten by oppression, or the deposit which was committed to him, or the lost thing which he found, [5] or any thing about which he has sworn falsely; he shall restore it even in full, and shall add a fifth part more to it. To him to whom it belongs he shall give it, in the day of his being found guilty. [6] He shall bring his trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest. [7] The priest shall make atonement for him before Yahweh, and he will be forgiven concerning whatever he does to become guilty.”

Leviticus 19:11-12 [11] “‘You shall not steal. “‘You shall not lie. “‘You shall not deceive one another. [12] “‘You shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of your God. I am Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 27:17 ‘Cursed is he who removes his neighbor’s landmark.’ All the people shall say, ‘Amen.’

The landmarks marked the borders of each family's property. Moving a landmark was a way of enlarging your own land (by shrinking the size of your neighbor's property) without paying for the new additional property. It was a deceitful method of stealing.

Luke 20:22-25 [22] Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” [23] But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test me? [24] Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” [25] He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

STEALING FROM GOD

Malachi 3:8-10 [8] Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In tithes and offerings. [9] You are cursed with the curse; for you rob me, even this whole nation. [10] Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this,” says Yahweh of Armies, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough for.

Matthew 22:15-22 [15] Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap him in his talk. [16] They sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter whom you teach, for you aren’t partial to anyone. [17] Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” [18] But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? [19] Show me the tax money.” They brought to him a denarius. [20] He asked them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” [21] They said to him, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” [22] When they heard it, they marveled, and left him, and went away.

The denarius bore the image and inscription of Caesar. Jesus said to give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar. Implied is what we find in the beginning at creation (Genesis 1:27), that man bears the image of God. Thus, Jesus says that we must give to God the things that are God's. We must give ourselves to God.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 [19] Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.

INSTEAD OF STEALING

Deuteronomy 22:1-4 [1] You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep go astray, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely bring them again to your brother. [2] If your brother isn’t near to you, or if you don’t know him, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your brother comes looking for it, and you shall restore it to him. [3] So you shall do with his donkey. So you shall do with his garment. So you shall do with every lost thing of your brother’s, which he has lost, and you have found. You may not hide yourself. [4] You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift them up again.

Luke 3:10-14 [10] The multitudes asked him, “What then must we do?” [11] He answered them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. He who has food, let him do likewise.” [12] Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to him, “Teacher, what must we do?” [13] He said to them, “Collect no more than that which is appointed to you.” [14] Soldiers also asked him, saying, “What about us? What must we do?” He said to them, “Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages.”

Ephesians 4:28 Let him who stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have something to give to him who has need.

Hebrews 13:16 But don’t forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

The Ten Commandments - Lesson 9: The Seventh Commandment

The Ten Commandments

Lesson 9: The Seventh Commandment

Exodus 20:14 You shall not commit adultery.

Mark 10:6-9 [6] But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. [7] For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife, [8] and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. [9] What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”

Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

The Main Points for This Lesson:

Marriage is very important to God (he invented it) and so should be to us.

A husband and wife must be faithful to each other until death parts them (Mark 10:6-9; Romans 7:2-3).

Marriage should be held in honor by all (Hebrews 13:4). Those who are not married, young and old, should honor marriage by how they live (which includes their hearts, thoughts, words and deeds). God created marriage as the place for a man and a woman to have a special relationship. If you try to have all or part of that special relationship with someone outside of marriage, you are not honoring marriage, but you are breaking this commandment.

Breaking this commandment has eternal consequences (1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Ephesians 5:5). We should flee from things that lead to this sin (2 Timothy 2:22), and pursue good things instead.

God hates divorce. It breaks the union of marriage, and breaks the vows made at the beginning of the marriage. Jesus said when someone remarries after divorce, they commit adultery (Mark 10:1-12).

Suggestions:

When I speak with my children about this, I talk about thinks such as kissing. I give kisses to my children, and perhaps to others (family members), but I only give special kisses to Mommy. They also have some minimal concept of sharing a bed. They don't know what happens there, but they do seem aware that it is special to share a bed as Daddy and Mommy do.

You can explain to them that such things are for marriage. God made such things for a husband and wife to share with each other and with no one else, as long as they are both alive.

This commandment is not just for married people. It is for all. Help the children to understand that for young people who are not married, this means waiting for certain things until you are married when you can share them with your husband or wife. This is one way we hold marriage in honor, and obey God in this commandment.

Use story of Joseph and Potiphar's wife. Joseph set a good example of someone who obeyed God in this matter.

The older children may have seen television and movies, as well as commercials, which teach that the things God designed for marriage are good and normal for young people who are not married. If and as it seems appropriate, you may ask them if they have seen such things, and what they think such things are teaching or promoting. Ask how this compares to what God tells us in his word.

Stories:

Genesis 39:1-21 [1] Joseph was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh’s, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought him down there. [2] Yahweh was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man. He was in the house of his master the Egyptian. [3] His master saw that Yahweh was with him, and that Yahweh made all that he did prosper in his hand. [4] Joseph found favor in his sight. He ministered to him, and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. [5] From the time that he made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, Yahweh blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake. Yahweh’s blessing was on all that he had, in the house and in the field. [6] He left all that he had in Joseph’s hand. He didn’t concern himself with anything, except for the food which he ate. Joseph was well-built and handsome. [7] After these things, his master’s wife set her eyes on Joseph; and she said, “Lie with me.” [8] But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand. [9] He isn’t greater in this house than I, neither has he kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” [10] As she spoke to Joseph day by day, he didn’t listen to her, to lie by her, or to be with her. [11] About this time, he went into the house to do his work, and there were none of the men of the house inside. [12] She caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me!” He left his garment in her hand, and ran outside. [13] When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and had run outside, [14] she called to the men of her house, and spoke to them, saying, “Behold, he has brought in a Hebrew to us to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice. [15] When he heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.” [16] She laid up his garment by her, until his master came home. [17] She spoke to him according to these words, saying, “The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me, [18] and as I lifted up my voice and cried, he left his garment by me, and ran outside.” [19] When his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your servant did to me,” his wrath was kindled. [20] Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in custody. [21] But Yahweh was with Joseph, and showed kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

More Stories and Examples:

John 8:1-11 [1] but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. [2] Now very early in the morning, he came again into the temple, and all the people came to him. He sat down, and taught them. [3] The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman taken in adultery. Having set her in the midst, [4] they told him, “Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act. [5] Now in our law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. What then do you say about her?” [6] They said this testing him, that they might have something to accuse him of. But Jesus stooped down, and wrote on the ground with his finger. [7] But when they continued asking him, he looked up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her.” [8] Again he stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground. [9] They, when they heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning from the oldest, even to the last. Jesus was left alone with the woman where she was, in the middle. [10] Jesus, standing up, saw her and said, “Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?” [11] She said, “No one, Lord.” Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more.”

2 Samuel 11:1 – 12:23 – Story of David and Bathsheba.

Other Verses:

Deuteronomy 5:18 “You shall not commit adultery.

Jeremiah 7:9-10 [9] Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods that you have not known, [10] and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, ‛We are delivered;’ that you may do all these abominations?

Matthew 5:27-32 [27] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery;’ [28] but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. [29] If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. [30] If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. [31] “It was also said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorce,’ [32] but I tell you that whoever puts away his wife, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries her when she is put away commits adultery.

Romans 2:22 You who say a man shouldn’t commit adultery. Do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 [9] Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, [10] nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit the Kingdom of God. [11] Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.

Ephesians 5:3-6 [3] But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; [4] nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks. [5] Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. [6] Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

2 Timothy 2:22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Hebrews 13:4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.

ADULTERY AND THE HEART

Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.

Mark 7:14-23 [14] He called all the multitude to himself, and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand. [15] There is nothing from outside of the man, that going into him can defile him; but the things which proceed out of the man are those that defile the man. [16] If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear!” [17] When he had entered into a house away from the multitude, his disciples asked him about the parable. [18] He said to them, “Are you thus without understanding also? Don’t you perceive that whatever goes into the man from outside can’t defile him, [19] because it doesn’t go into his heart, but into his stomach, then into the latrine, thus purifying all foods?” [20] He said, “That which proceeds out of the man, that defiles the man. [21] For from within, out of the hearts of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts, [22] covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. [23] All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.”

[see also Matthew 15:10-20]

DIVORCE

Matthew 19:3-12 [3] Pharisees came to him, testing him, and saying, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” [4] He answered, “Haven’t you read that he who made them from the beginning made them male and female, [5] and said, ‘For this cause a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall join to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?’ [6] So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don’t let man tear apart.” [7] They asked him, “Why then did Moses command us to give her a bill of divorce, and divorce her?” [8] He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so. [9] I tell you that whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and he who marries her when she is divorced commits adultery.” [10] His disciples said to him, “If this is the case of the man with his wife, it is not expedient to marry.” [11] But he said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given. [12] For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it.”

Mark 10:2-12 [2] Pharisees came to him testing him, and asked him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” [3] He answered, “What did Moses command you?” [4] They said, “Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.” [5] But Jesus said to them, “For your hardness of heart, he wrote you this commandment. [6] But from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. [7] For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife, [8] and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh. [9] What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” [10] In the house, his disciples asked him again about the same matter. [11] He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery against her. [12] If a woman herself divorces her husband, and marries another, she commits adultery.”

Luke 16:18 Everyone who divorces his wife, and marries another, commits adultery. He who marries one who is divorced from a husband commits adultery.

Romans 7:2-3 [2] For the woman that has a husband is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the husband dies, she is discharged from the law of the husband. [3] So then if, while the husband lives, she is joined to another man, she would be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is no adulteress, though she is joined to another man.

PROVERBS

Proverbs 2:1-11,16-19 [1] My son, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you; [2] So as to turn your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; [3] Yes, if you call out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding; [4] If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures: [5] then you will understand the fear of Yahweh, and find the knowledge of God. [6] For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. [7] He lays up sound wisdom for the upright. He is a shield to those who walk in integrity; [8] that he may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of his saints. [9] Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. [10] For wisdom will enter into your heart. Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. [11] Discretion will watch over you. Understanding will keep you, [16] To deliver you from the strange woman, even from the foreigner who flatters with her words; [17] who forsakes the friend of her youth, and forgets the covenant of her God: [18] for her house leads down to death, her paths to the departed spirits. [19] None who go to her return again, neither do they attain to the paths of life:

Proverbs 5:1-23 [1] My son, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding: [2] that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge. [3] For the lips of an adulteress drip honey. Her mouth is smoother than oil, [4] But in the end she is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword. [5] Her feet go down to death. Her steps lead straight to Sheol. [6] She gives no thought to the way of life. Her ways are crooked, and she doesn’t know it. [7] Now therefore, my sons, listen to me. Don’t depart from the words of my mouth. [8] Remove your way far from her. Don’t come near the door of her house, [9] lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one; [10] lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another man’s house. [11] You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed, [12] and say, “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; [13] neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned my ear to those who instructed me! [14] I have come to the brink of utter ruin, in the midst of the gathered assembly.” [15] Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well. [16] Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares? [17] Let them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you. [18] Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. [19] A loving doe and a graceful deer— let her breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with her love. [20] For why should you, my son, be captivated with an adulteress? Why embrace the bosom of another? [21] For the ways of man are before the eyes of Yahweh. He examines all his paths. [22] The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare him. The cords of his sin hold him firmly. [23] He will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of his folly, he will go astray.

Proverbs 6:20-35 [20] My son, keep your father’s commandment, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching. [21] Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck. [22] When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you. [23] For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, [24] to keep you from the immoral woman, from the flattery of the wayward wife’s tongue. [25] Don’t lust after her beauty in your heart, neither let her captivate you with her eyelids. [26] For a prostitute reduces you to a piece of bread. The adulteress hunts for your precious life. [27] Can a man scoop fire into his lap, and his clothes not be burned? [28] Or can one walk on hot coals, and his feet not be scorched? [29] So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife. Whoever touches her will not be unpunished. [30] Men don’t despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy himself when he is hungry: [31] but if he is found, he shall restore seven times. He shall give all the wealth of his house. [32] He who commits adultery with a woman is void of understanding. He who does it destroys his own soul. [33] He will get wounds and dishonor. His reproach will not be wiped away. [34] For jealousy arouses the fury of the husband. He won’t spare in the day of vengeance. [35] He won’t regard any ransom, neither will he rest content, though you give many gifts.

Proverbs 7:1-27 [1] My son, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you. [2] Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye. [3] Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart. [4] Tell wisdom, “You are my sister.” Call understanding your relative, [5] that they may keep you from the strange woman, from the foreigner who flatters with her words. [6] For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice. [7] I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young man void of understanding, [8] passing through the street near her corner, he went the way to her house, [9] in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the middle of the night and in the darkness. [10] Behold, there a woman met him with the attire of a prostitute, and with crafty intent. [11] She is loud and defiant. Her feet don’t stay in her house. [12] Now she is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking at every corner. [13] So she caught him, and kissed him. With an impudent face she said to him: [14] “Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me. This day I have paid my vows. [15] Therefore I came out to meet you, to diligently seek your face, and I have found you. [16] I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt. [17] I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. [18] Come, let’s take our fill of loving until the morning. Let’s solace ourselves with loving. [19] For my husband isn’t at home. He has gone on a long journey. [20] He has taken a bag of money with him. He will come home at the full moon.” [21] With persuasive words, she led him astray. With the flattering of her lips, she seduced him. [22] He followed her immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose. [23] Until an arrow strikes through his liver, as a bird hurries to the snare, and doesn’t know that it will cost his life. [24] Now therefore, sons, listen to me. Pay attention to the words of my mouth. [25] Don’t let your heart turn to her ways. Don’t go astray in her paths, [26] for she has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all her slain are a mighty army. [27] Her house is the way to Sheol, going down to the rooms of death.

Proverbs 9:13-18 [13] The foolish woman is loud, Undisciplined, and knows nothing. [14] She sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, [15] To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways, [16] “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” as for him who is void of understanding, she says to him, [17] “Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant.” [18] But he doesn’t know that the departed spirits are there, that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Proverbs 22:14 The mouth of an adulteress is a deep pit: he who is under Yahweh’s wrath will fall into it.

Proverbs 23:26-28 [26] My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways. [27] For a prostitute is a deep pit; and a wayward wife is a narrow well. [28] Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men.

Proverbs 30:20 “So is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth, and says, ‘I have done nothing wrong.’

Ecclesiastes 7:26 I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her; but the sinner will be ensnared by her.

The Ten Commandments - Lesson 8: The Sixth Commandment

The Ten Commandments

Lesson 8: The Sixth Commandment

Exodus 20:13 You shall not murder.

Leviticus 19:18 “‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

Remember the first lesson in this series about the greatest commandment: Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself. All of the 10 Commandments fit into the greatest commandment.

The Main Points for This Lesson:

We should not murder or hurt our neighbor, but we should love our neighbor, even when he does not love us.

Anger is not always wrong, but it often leads to hate or doing harm to someone when we don't deal with it as God tells us. Sometimes we get angry when someone else hurts us. Sometimes we get angry when we do something wrong.

If someone hurts you, you should go to that person to try and work out the problem, or ask someone to help you do that. Whether it is possible or not to work out the problem, you should ask God to help you. Tell God what happened, then trust that he will take care of it, and ask him to help you put away your anger and be willing to forgive and to love and do good to the person instead.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Let the children know that this series of lessons is about the Ten Commandments. This lesson is about the sixth commandment: You shall not murder.

Read the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-12). Ask questions about Cain. Why was he angry. Was he angry because someone had hurt him? What did he do with his anger? What should he have done when he was angry?

Read 2 Samuel 13:22 to the children (being familiar with the larger story yourself). Tell them briefly the rest of the story – how Absalom plotted and killed Amnon. Ask the children questions about Absalom. Why did Absalom hate his brother Amnon? Had Amnon hurt Absalom or someone else? What did Absalom do with his anger? What should he have done when he was angry with Amnon?

Read the verses about Jesus on the cross (Luke 23:32-34) and/or about Stephen being stoned (Acts 7:57-60). Ask questions about these stories. What was happening to Jesus? What was happening to Stephen? Why were these things happening to them? How did they respond to the people? Why do you think they responded this way?

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Genesis 4:1-12 [1] The man knew Eve his wife. She conceived, and gave birth to Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man with Yahweh’s help.” [2] Again she gave birth, to Cain’s brother Abel. Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. [3] As time passed, Cain brought an offering to Yahweh from the fruit of the ground. [4] Abel also brought some of the firstborn of his flock and of its fat. Yahweh respected Abel and his offering, [5] but he didn’t respect Cain and his offering. Cain was very angry, and the expression on his face fell. [6] Yahweh said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen? [7] If you do well, won’t it be lifted up? If you don’t do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it.” [8] Cain said to Abel, his brother, “Let’s go into the field.” While they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and killed him. [9] Yahweh said to Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?” He said, “I don’t know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” [10] Yahweh said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to me from the ground. [11] Now you are cursed because of the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. [12] From now on, when you till the ground, it won’t yield its strength to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth.”

2 Samuel 13:22-34 [22] Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

Absalom hated Amnon, and so formed a plan to kill him.

Luke 23:32-34 [32] There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. [33] When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. [34] Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots.

Acts 7:57-60 [57] But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord. [58] They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” [60] He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

More Stories and Examples:

Genesis 27:41-42 [41] Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will kill my brother Jacob.” [42] The words of Esau, her elder son, were told to Rebekah. She sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, “Behold, your brother Esau comforts himself about you by planning to kill you.

2 Samuel 3:22-30 – Joab murders Abner.

2 Samuel 11:1-27 – David murders Uriah with the help of Joab.

The murder of Uriah began some time before he was actually killed. David coveted someone else's wife. He looked with lust. With the seed of adultery already sown in his heart, he committed adultery with Uriah's wife, and then planned the murder of Uriah in order to cover up his sin of adultery.

2 Samuel 16:5-13 – As King David is fleeing Jerusalem from Absalom, Shemei cursed and threw stones at David and those with him. David did not kill Shemei for this, but left vengeance in the hand's of God.

2 Samuel 19:13; 20:7-13 – Joab murders Amasa.

1 Kings 2:5-6 [5] “Moreover you know also what Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me, even what he did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner, and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he killed, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his sash that was about his waist, and in his shoes that were on his feet. [6] Do therefore according to your wisdom, and don’t let his gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

Matthew 26:3-5 [4] They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit, and kill him.

[see also Mark 14:1]

Mark 6:19 – Herodias wanted to kill John the Baptist.

John 5:16,18; 7:1 – The Jews sought to kill Jesus.

Acts 23:12-15 – Some Jews vowed to kill the apostle Paul.

Other Verses:

Genesis 9:5-6 [5] I will surely require your blood of your lives; at the hand of every animal I will require it. At the hand of man, even at the hand of every man’s brother, I will require the life of man. [6] Whoever sheds man’s blood, his blood will be shed by man, for God made man in his own image.

Exodus 21:12-14 [12] “One who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death, [13] but not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen: then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. [14] If a man schemes and comes presumptuously on his neighbor to kill him, you shall take him from my altar, that he may die.

Deuteronomy 5:17 “You shall not murder.

Hosea 4:1-2 [1] Hear Yahweh’s word, you children of Israel; for Yahweh has a charge against the inhabitants of the land: “Indeed there is no truth, nor goodness, nor knowledge of God in the land. [2] There is cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break boundaries, and bloodshed causes bloodshed.

Romans 13:8-10 [8] Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. [9] For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” [10] Love doesn’t harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.

ANGER / HATE / MURDER

Numbers 35:12,15-25 [12] The cities shall be to you for refuge from the avenger, that the man slayer not die, until he stands before the congregation for judgment. [15] For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there. [16] “‘But if he struck him with an instrument of iron, so that he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death. [17] If he struck him with a stone in the hand, by which a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death. [18] Or if he struck him with a weapon of wood in the hand, by which a man may die, and he died, he is a murderer. The murderer shall surely be put to death. [19] The avenger of blood shall himself put the murderer to death. When he meets him, he shall put him to death. [20] If he shoved him out of hatred, or hurled at him, lying in wait, so that he died, [21] or in hostility struck him with his hand, so that he died, he who struck him shall surely be put to death. He is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when he meets him. [22] “‘But if he shoved him suddenly without hostility, or hurled on him anything without lying in wait, [23] or with any stone, by which a man may die, not seeing him, and cast it on him, so that he died, and he was not his enemy, neither sought his harm; [24] then the congregation shall judge between the striker and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances. [25] The congregation shall deliver the man slayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to his city of refuge, where he had fled. He shall dwell therein until the death of the high priest, who was anointed with the holy oil.

Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.

Ephesians 4:31-32 [31] Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice. [32] And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

These verses do not mention murder or killing. They do, however, speak of those things which, when allowed to remain in the heart, both lead to murder, and make one a murderer in the sight of God, who says that whoever hates his brother is a murderer. Further, here we are not just warned of the wrong path, but are told of the right path on which we must tread.

James 1:19-20 [19] So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; [20] for the anger of man doesn’t produce the righteousness of God.

James 4:1-3 [1] Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don’t they come from your pleasures that war in your members? [2] You lust, and don’t have. You kill, covet, and can’t obtain. You fight and make war. You don’t have, because you don’t ask. [3] You ask, and don’t receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures.

1 John 3:11-15 [11] For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; [12] unlike Cain, who was of the evil one, and killed his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his works were evil, and his brother’s righteous. [13] Don’t be surprised, my brothers, if the world hates you. [14] We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. He who doesn’t love his brother remains in death. [15] Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in him.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO INSTEAD?

REBUKE YOUR BROTHER WITH THE DESIRE TO FORGIVE

Leviticus 19:17-18 [17] “‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. [18] “‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

It is easy to silently hold onto bitterness and hate against someone who has wronged us. It is easy to speak to others about how bad someone is who has wronged us. God tells us that we are not to silently lay up hatred in our heart. Nor are we to increase the bitterness in our heart against someone by speaking to others about that person. In doing this, we have sinned ourselves. Instead, God instructs us to go to the person who has wronged us and speak to that person about what they have done. We ought to do this with the desire of restoring the relationship between us. If he repents, forgive him.

Matthew 18:15-17 [15] “If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. [16] But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. [17] If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If he refuses to hear the assembly also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.

Luke 17:3-4 [3] Be careful. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. [4] If he sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, ‘I repent,’ you shall forgive him.”

BE RECONCILED TO YOUR BROTHER

Matthew 5:21-26 [21] “You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not murder;’ and ‘Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.’ [22] But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment; and whoever shall say to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna. [23] “If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, [24] leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. [25] Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with him on the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. [26] Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.

Jesus tells us that the condition of our relationships with others is more important to God than any service of worship we might give him. In other words, if it is possible for us to be reconciled with someone with whom we are currently at odds, then that is the first and most important thing for us to do if we desire to please God.

INSTEAD – BLESS, DO GOOD, PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES, LEAVE REVENGE TO GOD

We must do what is possible on our part to be at peace with all men. That does not mean that all men will be willing to be at peace with us. Some will choose to remain our enemies. What should we do then? We are commanded to love our enemies by feeding them if they are hungry, giving them a drink if they are thirsty, blessing them, doing good to them and praying for them.

Jesus did all that was possible to be at peace with all men. Some men still chose to put him to death. Jesus did not store up bitterness or hate against them. Instead, even on the cross, he prayed for them that God would forgive them for their evil deed (of crucifying the Son of God).

Proverbs 20:22 Don’t say, “I will pay back evil.” Wait for Yahweh, and he will save you.

Proverbs 25:21-22 [21] If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat. If he is thirsty, give him water to drink: [22] for you will heap coals of fire on his head, and Yahweh will reward you.

Matthew 5:43-48 [43] “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, [45] that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? [47] If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? [48] Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Romans 12:17-21 [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” [20] Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.” [21] Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

The Ten Commandments - Lesson 7: The Fifth Commandment

The Ten Commandments

Lesson 7: The Fifth Commandment

Exodus 20:12 Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

Ephesians 6:1-3 [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.”

OBEY v.t.

1. To give ear to; to execute the commands of; to yield submission to; to comply with the orders of.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord. Eph. vi. 1.

“obey.” Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language 1913.

HONOR v.t.

1. To regard or treat with honor, esteem, or respect; to revere; to treat with deference and submission; when used of the Supreme Being, to reverence; to adore; to worship.

Honor thy father and thy mother. Ex. xx. 12.

That all men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. John v. 23.

“honor.” Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language 1913.

Main Points for this Commandment:

Children should obey their parents.

Children should also honor their parents, or treat their parents with respect, honor, and esteem.

Obedience and honoring go together. What should children do? Obey. How should children do this? With a good and proper attitude toward their parents. Children should obey with a good or pleasant attitude. To obey with a bad attitude (anger, rebellion, etc.) is not obeying God, who tells us to honor our father and mother.

This commandment is for fathers and mothers as well. While the commandment explicitly addresses children, it is to parents that God has given the primary responsibility of bringing up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. So this commandment written explicitly to children (of all ages), it is written implicitly to parents, reminding them of their duty to daily teach their children the ways of God.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Let the children know that this series of lessons is about the Ten Commandments. This lesson is about the fifth commandment: Honor your father and your mother.

Explain to the children that honoring your father and mother includes both obedience and respect. It has to do with both our actions and our attitudes.

The stories of Jesus with his parents (Luke 2:41-52) and of Samuel in the tabernacle (1 Samuel 3:1-14) can be helpful in illustrating this commandment. With the story in Luke 2, it can be pointed out that Jesus obeyed his parents. Then it could be asked, What kind of attitude do you think Jesus had when he went with his parents?

Jesus said that if we are faithful in little things we will be faithful in much. In the story of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3, we remember that Samuel was ready to listen to God. But the children could be asked, Who did Samuel listen to and obey first? With what kind of attitude do you think he obeyed, and why do you think that?

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Luke 2:41-52 [41] His parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover. [42] When he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast, [43] and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother didn’t know it, [44] but supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey, and they looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances. [45] When they didn’t find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. [46] After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions. [47] All who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. [48] When they saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.” [49] He said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?” [50] They didn’t understand the saying which he spoke to them. [51] And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was subject to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. [52] And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

If anyone could have rightly declared his independence from his parents as a child, it was Jesus. Yet, even the Son of God, as a man, as a human child, was subject to his parents. That is, he honored and obeyed his parents.

1 Samuel 3:1-14 [1] The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. Yahweh’s word was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision. [2] At that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see), [3] and the lamp of God hadn’t yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in Yahweh’s temple, where the ark of God was; [4] Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” [5] He ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call; lie down again.” He went and lay down. [6] Yahweh called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son; lie down again.” [7] Now Samuel didn’t yet know Yahweh, neither was Yahweh’s word yet revealed to him. [8] Yahweh called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” Eli perceived that Yahweh had called the child. [9] Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [10] Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.” [11] Yahweh said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone who hears it shall tingle. [12] In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning even to the end. [13] For I have told him that I will judge his house forever, for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves, and he didn’t restrain them. [14] Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be removed with sacrifice nor offering forever.”

This is the story of God calling Samuel. Samuel was obedient to Eli. He readily came when he thought Eli was calling him, and was ready to listen. Because he was faithful to obey in this matter, God called him and spoke to him about greater matters.

More Stories and Examples:

Genesis 9:20-27 [20] Noah began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard. [21] He drank of the wine and got drunk. He was uncovered within his tent. [22] Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brothers outside. [23] Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their father. Their faces were backwards, and they didn’t see their father’s nakedness. [24] Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his youngest son had done to him. [25] He said, “Canaan is cursed. He will be a servant of servants to his brothers.” [26] He said, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant. [27] May God enlarge Japheth. Let him dwell in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan be his servant.”

It seems that the implication is that Ham did not honor his father, Noah, in this matter, while Shem and Japheth did honor their father. We must be careful not to justify the sin of parents and those in authority. Yet we must be equally careful in such situations to treat with the appropriate respect and honor both the person involved and the sin (Galatians 6:1).

Genesis 18:16-19 [16] The men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abraham went with them to see them on their way. [17] Yahweh said, “Will I hide from Abraham what I do, [18] since Abraham has surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed in him? [19] For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Yahweh may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him.”

Matthew 15:3-9 [3] He answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? [4] For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death.’ [5] But you say, ‘Whoever may tell his father or his mother, “Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God,” [6] he shall not honor his father or mother.’ You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition. [7] You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, [8] ‘These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. [9] And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.’”

Luke 4:38-39 [38] He rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged him for her. [39] He stood over her, and rebuked the fever; and it left her. Immediately she rose up and served them.

Other Verses:

PARENTS' DUTY TOWARD CHILDREN

The commandment to honor your father and mother has much to do with the father and mother as well. How will children learn to honor their father and mother? It is clear from scripture that God has laid upon parents the primary responsibility for teaching their own children the commands and ways of the Lord. Anyone reading the fifth commandment ought to consider honestly their relationship with and treatment of their parents. Christian parents, in addition to this when reading the fifth commandment, ought to consider their own children and the godly instruction (or lack thereof) given to their children. Have they as as parents honored their Father in heaven by submitting to and obeying his instructions for parents to teach their own children his commands? It seems reasonable to say that parents that do not take the time to teach their own children the ways of God have broken this fifth commandment, in that they have not honored their Father in heaven in two ways: first they have disobeyed God's command to parents; second, they have left their children to walk in disobedience to God in relation to this fifth commandment.

Exodus 12:24-27 [24] You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever. [25] It shall happen when you have come to the land which Yahweh will give you, according as he has promised, that you shall keep this service. [26] It will happen, when your children ask you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ [27] that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Yahweh’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.’” The people bowed their heads and worshiped.

Deuteronomy 6:5-7 [5] You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. [6] These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart; [7] and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.

[see also Deuteronomy 4:9-10; 11:19]

Joshua 24:14-15 [14] “Now therefore fear Yahweh, and serve him in sincerity and in truth. Put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, in Egypt; and serve Yahweh. [15] If it seems evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”

Ephesians 6:1-4 [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” [4] You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

HONORING PARENTS

Exodus 21:15 “Anyone who attacks his father or his mother shall be surely put to death.

Exodus 21:17 “Anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death.

Leviticus 19:3 “‘Each one of you shall respect his mother and his father. You shall keep my Sabbaths. I am Yahweh your God.

Deuteronomy 5:16 “Honor your father and your mother, as Yahweh your God commanded you; that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you, in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

Deuteronomy 21:18-21 [18] If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son, who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and though they chasten him, will not listen to them; [19] then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, and to the gate of his place. [20] They shall tell the elders of his city, “This our son is stubborn and rebellious. He will not obey our voice. He is a glutton and a drunkard.” [21] All the men of his city shall stone him to death with stones. So you shall remove the evil from your midst. All Israel shall hear, and fear.

Proverbs 1:8-9 [8] My son, listen to your father’s instruction, and don’t forsake your mother’s teaching: [9] for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.

Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father’s correction, but he who heeds reproof shows prudence.

Proverbs 20:20 Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.

Proverbs 30:17 “The eye that mocks at his father, and scorns obedience to his mother: the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it.

Ephesians 6:1-4 [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.” [4] You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

HONORING THE AGED

Leviticus 19:32 “‘You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.

HONORING THOSE IN AUTHORITY

Romans 13:1-8 [1] Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. [2] Therefore he who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same, [4] for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn’t bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil. [5] Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience’ sake. [6] For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God’s service, attending continually on this very thing. [7] Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor. [8] Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.

Hebrews 13:17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

When parents teach and children learn honor to father and mother, such children can find it easier to obey their leaders and submit to them who watch over their souls. The command to honor father and mother does not end, and yet this command teaches the principle of honoring those in authority.

HONORING GOD (OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN)

Malachi 1:6-8 [6] “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, then where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me? Says Yahweh of Armies to you, priests, who despise my name. You say, ‘How have we despised your name?’ [7] You offer polluted bread on my altar. You say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ In that you say, ‘Yahweh’s table is contemptible.’ [8] When you offer the blind for sacrifice, isn’t that evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, isn’t that evil? Present it now to your governor! Will he be pleased with you? Or will he accept your person?” says Yahweh of Armies.

Romans 2:23-24 [23] You who glory in the law, through your disobedience of the law do you dishonor God? [24] For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” just as it is written.

By our actions are we honoring our earthly father and our heavenly Father? By our actions are we bringing honor or dishonor to the name of our earthly father and the to name of our heavenly Father?

Hebrews 12:7-11 [7] It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what son is there whom his father doesn’t discipline? [8] But if you are without discipline, of which all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not children. [9] Furthermore, we had the fathers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of spirits, and live? [10] For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but he for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness. [11] All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby.

Parents discipline their children (whether punishment for wrong, or training for good), and they do so as they think is best. Children should be subject to them. Discipline is not always pleasant at the moment, but it has long term benefits. The writer of Hebrews presents his case that if we are (and of course should be) subject to our parents, then much more is it right for us to be subject to the Father of spirits.

PROLONG YOUR DAYS IN THE LAND

Ephesians 6:1-3 [1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: [3] “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.”

This commandment contains a promise from God to those who keep it. It should be noted that the promised blessing, while directly connected with the fifth of the Ten Commandments, is also connected with obedience to all of God's statutes and commandments.

Deuteronomy 4:39-40 [39] Know therefore this day, and lay it to your heart, that Yahweh himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath. There is no one else. [40] You shall keep his statutes, and his commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Yahweh your God gives you, forever.

Deuteronomy 6:1-2 [1] Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it; [2] that you might fear Yahweh your God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you; you, and your son, and your son’s son, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged.

Deuteronomy 11:8-9 [8] Therefore you shall keep all the commandment which I command you this day, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land, where you go over to possess it; [9] and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give to them and to their seed, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Deuteronomy 25:13-16 [13] You shall not have in your bag diverse weights, one heavy and one light. [14] You shall not have in your house diverse measures, one large and one small. [15] You shall have a perfect and just weight. You shall have a perfect and just measure, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you. [16] For all who do such things, all who do unrighteously, are an abomination to Yahweh your God.

Psalm 34:11-14 [11] Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of Yahweh. [12] Who is someone who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? [13] Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies. [14] Depart from evil, and do good. seek peace, and pursue it.

Proverbs 3:1-2 [1] My son, don’t forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments: [2] for length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add to you.