“Honour thy father and thy mother, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”
Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Bible and contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. In this particular verse, Moses is reiterating the Ten Commandments to the people, specifically focusing on the commandment to honour one’s father and mother.
Honour your parents:The verse begins with the command to honour one’s father and mother. This commandment emphasises the importance of showing respect, obedience, and gratitude to one’s parents. Honouring parents includes valuing their wisdom, obeying their instructions (unless they conflict with God’s commands), and caring for them in their old age.
God’s command:Moses highlights that this command to honour parents is something that God has explicitly commanded. It is not merely a suggestion or a cultural norm, but a divine decree. By emphasising that it is God who commands this, Moses underscores the gravity and significance of honouring parents.
Promised blessings:The verse provides two promises linked to honouring one’s parents. Firstly, it states that by honouring them, one’s days may be prolonged. This does not necessarily guarantee a longer physical life but suggests that a life lived in obedience to this commandment is blessed by God with stability, peace, and well-being. Secondly, it mentions that by honouring parents, it will go well with the person in the land that God is giving them. This implies that honouring parents is linked to God’s favour, prosperity, and success in the context of the Promised Land.
Application and principles:This commandment extends beyond the scope of childhood and remains relevant throughout a person’s life. While the primary application is to children and their relationship with their parents, the principle of honouring authority figures, respecting elders, and valuing the contributions of previous generations can be applied in various contexts. This commandment also teaches us about our relationship with God, as He is our ultimate Father, and honouring Him brings blessings and favour.
New Testament perspective:In the New Testament, the apostle Paul reaffirms the importance of this commandment in Ephesians 6:1-3, emphasising that it is the first commandment with a promise. Jesus Himself also references the principle of honouring parents (Mark 7:9-13) and exemplifies it in His own life when He cares for His mother, Mary, even as He hangs on the cross (John 19:26-27).
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 5:16 highlights the divine command to honour one’s father and mother, promising blessings of well-being and prosperity to those who obey. This commandment teaches us about the importance of respecting authority, valuing previous generations, and ultimately honouring God as our ultimate Father.
