5a . The Fifth Word

Summary

This lecture explores the fifth and sixth commandments, focusing on the transition from commands centered on worshiping God to those about relationships with others. It discusses the debate on whether honoring parents is part of loving God or loving neighbors, emphasizing the importance of honoring parents as a reflection of honoring God. The lecture delves into the differences between the commandments in Exodus and Deuteronomy, the significance of structure, and the enduring relevance of honoring parents throughout life, even in challenging circumstances.

Takeaways

• 📜 The fifth and sixth commandments represent a shift in focus from loving God to loving one's neighbors, emphasizing the importance of relationships within the community.
• 🔗 The fifth commandment, 'Honor your father and mother,' can be seen as a hinge point that connects the role of God in our lives to the role of parents, highlighting the significance of respecting authority figures.
• ✡ The structure of the Ten Commandments, possibly divided between two tablets, suggests a deeper meaning and organization, with the first four focusing on love for God and the latter six on love for neighbor.
• 📚 The commandments are memorable and designed for memorization, with a clear structure that invites detailed thought and consideration of their implications in daily life.
• 👪 The concept of 'honor' in the fifth commandment involves ascribing proper respect and dignity to one's parents, acknowledging their role in giving and sustaining life.
• 🌱 Honoring parents is not limited to childhood obedience but extends into adulthood, requiring ongoing care, respect, and recognition of their importance in one's life.
• 🏡 The promise associated with honoring one's parents is that of a long and prosperous life in the land God has given, suggesting a causal relationship between honoring parents and receiving God's blessings.
• 🤔 The script raises questions about interpreting the promise of a long life as either a direct promise from God or a general proverb, acknowledging the complexities of life's circumstances.
• 👉 Biblical examples illustrate the importance of honoring parents, such as the story of Noah and his sons, and the commandment's role in maintaining social and moral order.
• 📖 The New Testament reinforces the importance of honoring parents, as seen in Ephesians 6, where it is called the first commandment with a promise, and in Jesus' teachings in Mark 7.
• 💡 The enduring relevance of honoring parents is emphasized, suggesting that it is a holy and lifelong duty that is appropriate to every stage of life, even in the face of difficult family dynamics.

Q & A

What is the significance of the fifth and sixth commandments in the context of the Ten Commandments?

The fifth and sixth commandments represent a shift in focus for the worshiper. While the first four commandments focus directly on the Lord and things He deems holy, these two commandments begin to address the worshiper's relationship with others, specifically parents and the community, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's parents and not killing or murdering.

How does Baker's interpretation of the Ten Commandments suggest a structural division?

Baker suggests that the fifth commandment, 'Honor your father and mother,' belongs with the first four commands that focus on loving the Lord. The sixth and following commands would then be on another tablet, focusing on the worshiper's relationship with others. This interpretation implies a structural division that aligns with the two great commandments Jesus gives: loving God and loving one's neighbor.

What is the role of parents in the context of the fifth commandment?

The role of parents in the fifth commandment is indicative of the kind of role that God plays in our lives. They are the ones who give life and sustain us, and thus, honoring them reflects the honor and respect we should give to God as the ultimate authority and sustainer.

How does the structure of the Ten Commandments contribute to their memorization and understanding?

The structure of the Ten Commandments, being given in a list of 10, makes it easier to memorize. This structure invites individuals to think more carefully and specifically about each command, aiding in the commitment of these principles to memory and encouraging a detailed consideration of what each command calls us to do.

What is the difference between the way the fifth commandment is presented in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5?

In Exodus 20:12, the commandment is to 'honor your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.' In Deuteronomy 5:16, it is 'honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.' The difference lies in the addition of 'as the Lord your God commanded you' and 'that it may go well with you,' emphasizing the command's source and the promise of well-being.

What does the word 'lama' signify in the context of the fifth commandment?

The word 'lama' in the context of the fifth commandment signifies a causal relationship. It clarifies that the long life in the land God is giving is contingent upon honoring one's father and mother.

How does the concept of 'honor' in the fifth commandment relate to the idea of 'glory' or 'kavod'?

The concept of 'honor' in the fifth commandment, derived from the Hebrew word 'kavod,' relates to the idea of 'glory' or 'weightiness.' It implies ascribing the proper weight or dignity to one's parents, recognizing their role in giving life and providing for the child.

What are some ways in which one can honor their parents according to the script?

One can honor their parents by ascribing dignity and respect to their role, caring for them as they age, maintaining contact and making oneself and one's children available to them, and showing respect even in disagreements.

How does the script interpret the promise of a long life in the land for those who honor their parents?

The script interprets the promise of a long life as both a general rule (proverb) and a specific promise from God. It suggests that while there are exceptions due to the effects of sin or God's mysterious purposes, honoring one's parents is closely associated with flourishing and a long life in God's kingdom.

What are some biblical examples given in the script that illustrate the importance of honoring one's parents?

The script provides examples such as the story of Noah and his son Ham in Genesis 9, where Ham dishonors his father and incurs a curse, and the example of a stubborn and rebellious son in Deuteronomy 21 who is put to death for his disrespect.

How does the New Testament view the commandment to honor one's parents?

The New Testament, specifically Ephesians 6 and Mark 7, reinforces the importance of honoring one's parents. In Ephesians 6, it is called the first commandment with a promise, while Mark 7 criticizes those who use religious traditions to avoid caring for their parents, thus dishonoring them.

What is the enduring relevance of the commandment to honor one's parents in the script's perspective?

The enduring relevance of the commandment is that it is a holy thing to respect and care for one's parents at every stage of life. This includes maintaining contact, caring for them as they age, and showing respect even in disagreements. The script emphasizes that this duty does not go away, even in difficult circumstances.

How should one approach honoring parents who were not good or caused harm?

The script suggests that even in cases of bad parents, the duty to honor them has not gone away. It becomes more burdensome but still requires seeking ways to honor them as much as possible, without compromising safety or enabling sinful behavior.