Lesson #63–66—The Fifth Commandment

aaaa

This is the beginning of the second table (Commandments 6–10) of the Law, which teaches what duties we have toward our neighbors. (Larger Catechism Q & A #122: Matthew 22:39)

“This command forms what may be called a connecting link between the two tables. It brings us into the family circle, and enjoins the duties which children owe to their parents, and by implication the duties of parents to their children. Thus, after duties to God are laid down, the reciprocal duties of parents and children are set forth, before our duties to our fellowmen are exhibited. This command is as follows: ‘Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.’” (Francis R. Beattie)

asf

Shorter Catechism Q & A #63 (Memorize)

Q. Which is the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment is, Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. Exodus 20:12

What does it mean?

This commandment is the groundwork which nurtures the following commandments, which show our respect toward God as taught in the first table of the Law. Thomas Watson wrote: “The commandments may be likened to Jacob’s ladder: the first table respects God, and is the top of the ladder that reaches to heaven; the second respects superiors and inferiors, and is the foot of the ladder that rests on the earth. By the first table, we walk religiously towards God; by the second, we walk religiously towards man. He cannot be good in the first table that is bad in the second. ‘Honour thy father and thy mother.’ In this we have a command, ‘honour thy father and thy mother;’ and, second, a reason for it, ‘That thy days may be long in the land.’ The command will chiefly be considered here, ‘Honour thy father.’”

asdf

Shorter Catechism Q & A #64 (Memorize)

Q. What is required in the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment requireth the preserving the honour, and performing the duties, belonging to everyone in their several places and relations, as superiors, inferiors, or equals.

What does it mean?

(Note Larger Catechism Q & A #124) Discuss how we are to treat others in obedience to the fifth commandment; referring to Prov. 23:22, 25, Eph. 5:21, 1 Peter 2:17, Eph. 6:1–2, 1 Tim. 5:1–2, Rom. 12:10.

asdf

Shorter Catechism Q & A #65 (Memorize)

Q. What is forbidden in the fifth commandment?

A. The fifth commandment forbiddeth the neglecting of, or doing any thing against, the hounour and duty which belongeth to every one in their several places and relations.

What does it mean?

The transgression of commandment five can be witnessed in the child to the parent, the parent to the child; of servants to their master, of master to the servant; of congregation toward the elder or minister, of elder or minister toward the congregation; of subjects to the magistrates and magistrate to their subjects; etc. Scripture references: Matt. 15:4–6; Prov. 30:17; Col. 3:21; Col. 3:22–23; Psa. 101:7; Eph. 6:9; 2 Tim. 4:3; 1 Tim. 4:13–14; 2 Cor. 2:17; Rom. 13:5; 2 Peter 2:10; Prov. 28:15–16

asf

Shorter Catechism Q & A #66 (Memorize)

Q. What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment?

A. The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, is a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.

What does it mean?

Discuss the promise given (Eph. 6:2–3, Prov. 3:1–2). How does this promise relate to that of Exodus 20:5–6?

What is our practice?

Honesty, respect, love, kindness, etc, are to be hallmarks of our service for Christ, representing our love for him and others. Matthew Henry wrote: “Those who, in conscience towards God, keep this and the rest of God’s commandments, may be sure that it shall be well with them, and that they shall live as long on earth as Infinite Wisdom sees good for them, and that what they may seem to be cut short of on earth shall be abundantly made up in eternal life, the heavenly Canaan which God will give them.”

View table of contents