Exodus 20:5-6

5 "¹You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a ²jealous God, ³visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,

6 but showing lovingkindness to ⁴thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

Exodus 20:5-6 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 20

In this chapter we have an account of the giving of the law on Mount Sinai; the preface to it, Ex 20:1,2, the ten commandments it consists of, Ex 20:8-17, the circumstances attending it, which caused the people to remove at some distance, Ex 20:18, when they desired of Moses, that he would speak to them and not God, who bid them not fear, since this was for the trial of them; but still they kept at a distance, while Moses drew nigh to God, Ex 20:19-21 who ordered him to caution the children of Israel against idolatry, and directed what sort of an altar he would have made whereon to offer their sacrifices, promising that where his name was recorded he would grant his presence and blessing, Ex 20:22-26.

Cross References

• 1. Exodus 23:24; Joshua 23:7; 2 Kings 17:35
• 2. Exodus 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:24; Joshua 24:19; Nahum 1:2
• 3. Exodus 34:6, 7; Numbers 14:18, 33; Deuteronomy 5:9, 10; 1 Kings 21:29; Jeremiah 32:18
• 4. Deuteronomy 7:9