Topical Bible: Life: Long Life Promised to Obedient Children

◄ Life: Long Life Promised to Obedient Children ►

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The concept of long life as a reward for obedience, particularly in the context of children honoring their parents, is a recurring theme in the Bible. This promise is deeply rooted in the moral and ethical teachings of the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of family structure and respect for authority as ordained by God.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for the promise of long life to obedient children is found in the Ten Commandments, specifically in the commandment to honor one's father and mother. Exodus 20:12 states, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment is unique among the Ten Commandments as it includes a specific promise of longevity and well-being.

The Apostle Paul reiterates this promise in the New Testament, emphasizing its enduring significance. In Ephesians 6:1-3 , Paul writes, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" Here, Paul underscores the commandment's promise, linking obedience to parents with a prosperous and extended life.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the promise of long life for obedient children is seen as part of God's covenantal blessings. It reflects the divine order and the importance of maintaining harmony within the family unit, which is foundational to societal stability. The family is viewed as a microcosm of God's kingdom, where respect for authority and adherence to divine commandments are cultivated.

The promise also serves as a tangible expression of God's justice and faithfulness. It reassures believers that God rewards those who follow His commandments, reinforcing the principle that obedience to God's laws brings about blessings, both spiritual and temporal.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the promise of long life for obedient children encourages parents to instill values of respect and obedience in their children. It highlights the role of parents as spiritual and moral guides, responsible for teaching their children the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 supports this, stating, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Moreover, this promise serves as a reminder to children of the importance of honoring their parents, not only as a duty but as a pathway to receiving God's blessings. It encourages a culture of respect and gratitude within the family, fostering relationships that reflect God's love and order.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, where the biblical texts were written, family and community were central to daily life. The promise of long life for obedient children would have resonated deeply with the original audience, who understood longevity as a sign of divine favor and prosperity. In a time when life expectancy was uncertain, the assurance of a long life was a powerful incentive for maintaining familial and societal harmony.

Conclusion

The promise of long life to obedient children is a profound biblical principle that underscores the importance of family, respect, and obedience to God's commandments. It serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the blessings that flow from living in accordance with His divine order.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long on the land which the LORD your God gives you.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 5:16
Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you; that your days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with you, in the land which the LORD your God gives you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Last Look at Life,
... in the name of the Lord, the promised Son of ... bound to work together; it was indicated
long before through ... His life, as regarded work, He had closed already ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/xiii the last look at.htm

The Life of Mr. John Knox.
... the eternal God, &c." Argyle and Moray promised to deliver ... Now, Sir, the time you
have long called to ... as one falling asleep, he departed this life about eleven ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john.htm

Ephesians vi. 3-Jan
... Seek not how he shall enjoy a long life here, but how ... This man was a rustic, in humble
life, and of humble ... world, in the world in which the Lord promised us no ...
/.../homily xxi ephesians vi 3-jan.htm

The Life and Passion of Cyprian, Bishop and Martyr.
... say, among the parents themselves of his earthly life, he is a ... be wanting to the
least of us, so long as he ... wished, and all that has before been promised to be ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/the life and passion of.htm

The Voice in the Wilderness
... the vow his own in a life-long consecration ... revelations of the Messiah's
coming,"the promised seed that ... that without purification of heart and life they could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 10 the voice in.htm

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... He, now, who is obedient here, is willing and ready to ... and money for a year or two,
but long life, support, and ... Since He has promised it, and has never yet lied ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

A Heavenly Pattern for Our Earthly Life
... I would that we were obedient at all hazard, for ... We have entered upon the promised
heritage, and we are ... count it a great privilege to have a long life in which ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/a heavenly pattern for our.htm

Eighth Sunday after Trinity Living in the Spirit as God's Children ...
... a battle, which never abates nor ceases so long as we ... and will answer prayer, because
he has promised all these ... it before the world at the peril of life and limb ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/eighth sunday after trinity living.htm

Transformed by Grace
... to subdue, besetting sins to overcome; so long as life ... nearest to God, men who would
sacrifice life itself rather ... work, for any gift He has promised, we may ask ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 55 transformed by grace.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... claims so high a privilege be but obedient, submissive, apt ... God and the soul together;
and as long as God ... nor yet depart from iniquity, and live a holy life. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm