Exodus 20 Study Notes

20:14 Adultery includes sex between a married person and anyone other than their spouse. It is referred to as unfaithfulness or betrayal.

20:15 This commandment assumes the legitimacy of personal property. It includes kidnapping as well as taking other things without permission.

20:16 Honesty is required in the case of a charge against one’s neighbor. According to Douglas Stuart, “a neighbor is anyone you have dealings with, either actually or potentially.” Implied in this law is the requirement for honesty in all one’s affairs.

20:17 This command addresses the inner life, the source of wrong actions including murder, adultery, and stealing (Jms 1:14-15). Coveting reflects greed, which is idolatry (Eph 5:5; Col 3:5).

20:18-21 In the same breath Moses told the people not to fear (Don’t be afraid) but to fear (lit “so that the fear of him will be before your face”). They should not fear that God might capriciously exterminate them. Nevertheless, the purpose of the frightening display is that they might recognize God’s power, his presence, and his holiness and be motivated to avoid sin and consequent judgment.

20:22-23:19 This section includes laws that were similar to those of other ancient cultures—which we know from ancient documents—altered and put into a context of motivation based on the Lord’s actions, character, requirements, and oversight.

20:22-23 Obedience to the instructions in vv. 22-26 would have distinguished Israelite worship from the pagan worship around them.

20:24-26 Mention of places where the Lord would come and bless the Israelites provided a reminder that, unlike pagan gods, the Lord must not be considered limited to Mount Sinai or any other locality. If they obeyed him, they would enjoy God’s blessings wherever they were.