Deuteronomy 5:9

You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on their children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me,

Study Bible

You shall not bow down to them
The phrase "bow down" comes from the Hebrew word "שָׁחָה" (shachah), which means to prostrate oneself in homage or worship. In the ancient Near Eastern context, bowing down was a physical act of submission and reverence, often directed towards deities or rulers. This commandment underscores the exclusivity of worship that God demands from His people, emphasizing that no other gods or idols should receive the reverence due to Him alone.

or worship them
The Hebrew word for "worship" is "עָבַד" (avad), which can also mean to serve. This term implies a deeper, ongoing relationship of servitude and devotion. In the historical context of Israel, surrounded by polytheistic cultures, this commandment was a clear directive to avoid the practices of surrounding nations, which often involved elaborate rituals and sacrifices to idols.

for I, the LORD your God
The use of "LORD" in all capitals represents the tetragrammaton "יהוה" (YHWH), the personal name of God revealed to Moses. This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with Israel. By stating "your God," the verse personalizes this relationship, reminding the Israelites of their unique bond with the Creator, who has chosen them as His people.

am a jealous God
The word "jealous" comes from the Hebrew "קַנָּא" (qanna), which conveys a sense of zeal or ardent love. Unlike human jealousy, which can be petty or insecure, God's jealousy is rooted in His desire for a pure and exclusive relationship with His people. It reflects His protective love and His intolerance for idolatry, which corrupts and harms His covenant community.

visiting the iniquity of the fathers
The term "visiting" is translated from the Hebrew "פָּקַד" (paqad), which can mean to attend to or punish. This phrase indicates that God holds generations accountable for persistent sin, particularly when they continue in the rebellious ways of their ancestors. It highlights the serious consequences of turning away from God and the impact of sin on future generations.

on their children to the third and fourth generations
This expression reflects the communal and generational nature of ancient Israelite society. It underscores the long-lasting effects of sin, not as a deterministic curse, but as a natural consequence of a family's continued rebellion against God. However, it also implies hope, as God's mercy and forgiveness are available to those who repent and turn back to Him.

of those who hate Me
The phrase "those who hate Me" refers to individuals who reject God's commandments and choose idolatry over faithfulness. In the biblical context, "hate" is not merely an emotional state but an active opposition to God's will and ways. This serves as a stark warning to the Israelites about the dangers of idolatry and the importance of maintaining their covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The prophet and leader of the Israelites who delivered God's commandments to the people.

2. Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were receiving the Law as they prepared to enter the Promised Land.

3. Mount Sinai
The place where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, including the commandment in Deuteronomy 5:9.

4. God (Yahweh)
The one true God, who is described as a "jealous God" in this passage, emphasizing His desire for exclusive worship.

5. Generations
The descendants of those who disobey God, who may experience the consequences of their ancestors' sins.

Teaching Points

Understanding God's Jealousy
God's jealousy is not like human jealousy; it is a righteous desire for His people to remain faithful to Him alone.

The Seriousness of Idolatry
Idolatry is not just the worship of physical idols but can include anything that takes the place of God in our lives.

Generational Consequences
While God mentions visiting iniquity on future generations, it is important to understand this in the context of communal and familial influence rather than direct punishment.

Personal Responsibility
Each individual is responsible for their own relationship with God, and repentance can break the cycle of sin.

God's Mercy and Justice
God's justice is balanced with His mercy, offering forgiveness and restoration to those who turn back to Him.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's jealousy help us in our personal relationship with Him?

2. In what ways can modern-day idolatry manifest in our lives, and how can we guard against it?

3. How do the generational consequences of sin affect families and communities today, and what steps can we take to address them?

4. How does Ezekiel 18:20 help us understand personal responsibility in light of Deuteronomy 5:9?

5. How can we balance the understanding of God's justice with His mercy in our daily walk with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 20:5
This verse is a parallel to Deuteronomy 5:9, reiterating the command against idolatry and the consequences of disobedience.

Numbers 14:18
Highlights God's justice and mercy, mentioning the visiting of iniquity to future generations but also His forgiveness.

Ezekiel 18:20
Clarifies individual responsibility, stating that each person is accountable for their own sin, balancing the generational aspect.

Psalm 79:8
A plea for God not to hold past iniquities against the current generation, showing a desire for mercy.

Jeremiah 32:18
Acknowledges God's justice in dealing with iniquity across generations, while also emphasizing His steadfast love.