Deuteronomy 5 Footnotes

5:9 These words reflect the OT concept of the corporate nature of community and family life. All members are implicated in the blessing and judgment of even one member (2:34). It is well known that the sins of one generation have repercussions for generations to come (Ex 20:5). The impact of David’s sin on his children is a classic case in point (2Sm 12:10; 13:28). Also see note on Dt 4:24.

5:14 The male and female servants mentioned here are not slaves in the sense of personal property. They were either hired persons or, more likely, bondservants who had come under the control of a fellow Israelite to whom they owed a certain amount of service in exchange for a loan that rescued them from financial difficulty (15:12-18; Ex 21:1-6).