The Small Catechism – part 26
Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Scripture Text: Exodus 20:5–6
Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions
Click for a recording of today's lesson.
From the Confessions: The Small Catechism, The First Commandment
You shall have no other gods.
What does this mean?
Answer: We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things.
Pulling It Together: The Hebrew word typically translated as “jealous” in Exodus 20:5 can mean zealous, passionate, even outraged — or simply protective. Luther translated it as "zealous” (eifriger) but the major English translations all read “jealous.” The point of the text is that God is powerfully protective of his relationship with his people. He is zealously jealous, as one should be of a spouse. Throughout Scripture, God is depicted as bridegroom and the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16) as his spouse (Isaiah 54:5; Revelation 19:7). So of course, God is a jealous God. This is a holy and righteous quality in one who steadfastly loves his spouse.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for loving me so fiercely. Amen.
Click here for resources to learn the Ten Commandments.
Share this post
Author
Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ryman has served as Pastor for St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC, since 2021. Previously, Pastor Ryman served congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
Click Here For Content Archives