Honoring Father and Mother

A Verse

Exodus 20:12

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.

A Comment

The fifth commandment bridges the first four commandments, which deal with our obligations to God, and the last five, which deal with our obligations to one another. As such, the fifth commandment picks up elements of both the first four and last five commandments.

Regarding the first four commandments, we understand that parents have a responsibility to pass on the things of God to their children. They taught them to know and obey the LORD, who had delivered them from Egypt. As the parents taught these things to their children, the children would keep the first four commandments of the ten commandments as they honored their parent's instruction.

Regarding the last five commandments, we understand that children were not only obligated to love and obey God but also to show love and obey their parents. To be sure, this commandment to “honor” one’s parents likely includes the idea of taking care of them in their old age, but it is not limited to such demonstrations. It also includes honoring their instruction in the things of God, so far as that instruction actually aligned with God’s Word. So, while the original commandment likely points to the need to care for one’s parents, it also points to the need to honor them by following their instruction, as they follow God’s instruction of passing on the faith to their children.

When we reflect on this commandment, we should be reminded of our need to relate to God as our Father and honor Him with our love and obedience. While no earthly parent is ever perfect, our Father in Heaven is, and He instructs us in righteousness for our good and His glory. When we fail to honor Him as He deserves, we are reminded of the provision that He has made in Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, who honored His Father perfectly and now gives us the right to be called children of God.

A Prayer

Would you pray with me?

A Blessing

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.