What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment, the more to enforce it?

Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at 7:33PM
rebecca in Westminster Catechism

The reason annexed to the fifth commandment, in these words, That thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee,[1] is an express 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.[2]

1. Exod. 20:12

   Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

2. Deut. 5:16

   Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

   I Kings 8:25

   Now therefore, O Lord, God of Israel, keep for your servant David my father what you have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to sit before me on the throne of Israel, if only your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.’

    Eph. 6:2-3

   “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Question 133, Westminster Larger Catechism

Article originally appeared on Rebecca Writes (http://rebecca-writes.com/).