(The Lord speaking is red text)
Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
"'Do not commit adultery.
You shall not commit adultery.
Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
Neither shalt thou commit adultery{H5003}.
1. **Themes:**
- **Moral Purity:** The commandment against adultery emphasizes the importance of fidelity and moral purity within the community, particularly within the context of marriage.
- **Social Stability:** By prohibiting adultery, the commandment seeks to protect family units and the stability of society, which are foundational to Israelite life.
- **Holiness:** The Israelites are called to be holy, as God is holy (Leviticus 19:2). Adultery is seen as a defilement of this holiness.
2. **Historical Context:**
- **The Setting:** Deuteronomy 5 records the second giving of the Ten Commandments by Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This is a restatement of the covenant between God and Israel, originally given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20).
- **The Covenant People:** The commandments are part of a covenant treaty between God and His people, setting them apart from other nations and establishing a unique moral code.
- **The Ancient Near Eastern Context:** Adultery was a serious offense in the Ancient Near East, often punishable by death. However, the Israelite law was distinctive in applying equally to both men and women, reflecting a higher standard of sexual ethics.
- **The Purpose:** The prohibition against adultery, along with the other commandments, was designed to shape the Israelites' conduct and character, ensuring their loyalty to Yahweh and distinguishing them from their pagan neighbors.
In summary, Deuteronomy 5:18, as part of the Decalogue, underscores the sanctity of marriage and the expectation of sexual fidelity within the covenant community of Israel, reflecting the holiness and faithfulness of God Himself. This commandment served to maintain the moral fabric and social order of Israelite society.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)