Henk Post

“You shall not covet your neighbour’s house; you shall not covet your neighbour’s wife, or his male servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbour’s.” (Exodus 20:17) There’s nothing wrong with longing for something, but if our desire is focused on what belongs to another, or if envy is part … Lees meer

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16) In 1 Kings 21 we find the disturbing account of Naboth and his vineyard. Naboth refused to sell his vineyard to King Ahab because God had given it to his forefathers when the land of Canaan was divided. Ahab’s wife Jezebel devised a plan … Lees meer

“You shall not steal.” (Exodus 20:15) The eighth commandment says that we may not steal, and God intends this to be broadly understood. It isn’t just about theft in the general sense, but also about how we interact with our belongings and those of others. The commandment forbids any unjust use of another’s property, such … Lees meer

“You shall not commit adultery.” (Exodus 20:14) In God’s sight marriage is holy, and He does not want couples to break up. Nor does He want a marriage to be compromised because of adultery. God goes a step further: if you are married, you may not desire anyone other than your own partner. An outsider … Lees meer

“You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13) The sixth commandment touches on our lives as well as those lives around us. God doesn’t want us to hurt others in any way: physically, spiritually or emotionally. The commandment does not forbid righteous killing as in a war, or out of self-defence. What is prohibited is any violence, … Lees meer

“Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12) God has given us a two-pronged command: to love Him and to love our fellow humans. The first four commandments deal with our relationship to God: the last six with … Lees meer

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labour and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God…” (Exodus 20:8-10) God blessed the seventh day (Genesis 2:3). He was joyful on that day as His creation was completed. When God gave the Law … Lees meer

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” (Exodus 20:7) God doesn’t want us to abuse His name. This includes more than swearing; it encompasses any mocking or ridiculing of God. God demands that we honour … Lees meer

“…but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments.” (Exodus 20:6) God wanted Israel to understand how great His love is, and He addresses this in the third commandment. Love does not ignore sin, nor is love indifferent to sin. God would punish the people who ignored his will. … Lees meer