Deuteronomy 5:7

Deuteronomy 5:7 presents the very first commandment given by God to Israel through Moses: "Thou shalt have none other gods before me." This foundational declaration establishes the exclusive nature of the relationship between the Lord and His people, demanding their sole allegiance and worship.

Context

This verse is part of the retelling of the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy, specifically found within Moses's address to the new generation of Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before they enter the Promised Land. This reiteration serves to remind them of the covenant established at Mount Horeb (Sinai) and to impress upon them the importance of obedience to God's laws. The commandments are not merely rules but the very bedrock of their national identity and their unique relationship with the one true God, setting them apart from the polytheistic nations surrounding them. This verse parallels the command given in Exodus 20:3.

Key Themes

• Monotheism and Exclusivity: The core message is that there is only one God who is worthy of worship. He does not tolerate rivals or shared devotion. This sets the stage for the entire Old Testament narrative, emphasizing God's unique identity as the Creator and Sovereign.
• Covenant Relationship: This commandment is the cornerstone of the covenant God made with Israel. It defines the primary condition of their relationship: absolute loyalty to Him alone. Breaking this commandment would mean breaking the covenant itself.
• Prohibition of Idolatry: While not explicitly mentioning graven images yet (that comes in the next verse), this commandment broadly forbids the worship, reverence, or even acknowledgment of any deity other than the Lord. It encompasses both physical idols and any spiritual allegiance given to false gods.
• God's Supremacy: The phrase "before me" (Hebrew: al-panay) emphasizes God's absolute presence and authority. It implies that no other god should even be conceived of or honored in His sight, underscoring His unparalleled majesty and sovereignty.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase lo yihyeh lekha elohim acherim al-panay translates literally to "There shall not be for you other gods upon my face" or "in my presence." The term elohim, while often translated as "God," can also refer to "gods" in the plural, as it does here. The crucial part is al-panay, "before my face" or "in my presence." This signifies that no other god is to be set up in opposition to God, alongside Him, or even in His peripheral vision. It denotes an absolute and immediate claim to sole worship and attention.

Practical Application

While ancient Israel faced literal polytheism, the principle of Deuteronomy 5:7 remains profoundly relevant today. Modern "gods" may not be statues, but anything that takes precedence over God in our lives can become an idol. This includes:

• Material possessions: When wealth or possessions become our primary pursuit or source of security (Colossians 3:5).
• Career or ambition: When success or status consumes our devotion and time, eclipsing our relationship with God.
• Relationships: When human relationships, even good ones, are elevated to a place of ultimate dependence or worship.
• Self-worship: When our own desires, comfort, or ego become the guiding force of our lives.
• Ideologies or philosophies: Any belief system that supplants God's truth as the ultimate authority.

This verse calls believers to a singular, undivided devotion to God, recognizing Him as the one true Lord who deserves all honor and worship. Jesus Himself affirmed this principle when He declared, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Matthew 4:10). Our challenge is to continually examine our hearts and ensure that nothing stands "before" God in our lives.