Remember the Sabbath: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Deuteronomy 5

Executive Summary ✨

Deuteronomy 5 stands as a powerful reiteration of the Ten Commandments, delivered by Moses to the Israelites before entering the Promised Land. More than mere legalistic pronouncements, these commandments, deeply rooted in covenantal love, serve as pillars for a righteous life and a flourishing society. Our focus key phrase, “Remember the Sabbath,” highlights the central theme of obedience, remembrance of God’s saving acts, and the sanctification of time. This chapter, examined through the lens of Coptic Orthodox tradition, illuminates the profound spiritual significance of each commandment, from the prohibition of idolatry to the call for honoring parents. We explore how these ancient laws continue to resonate within the Christian life, guiding us towards repentance, faith, and a deeper relationship with the Holy Trinity. This commentary draws upon the wisdom of the Church Fathers, the historical context, and the enduring relevance of these divine precepts for modern believers.

Deuteronomy 5 is a foundational text, a crucial reminder of the covenant God established with His people. It’s more than just a rehash of the past; it’s a call to action for the future. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we see these commandments not as constraints but as guides to a life of freedom and holiness, rooted in love for God and neighbor.

Commentary Sections 📖

Deuteronomy 5:1-3 – The Covenant Renewed

Deuteronomy 5:1-3 (KJV) “And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them. The LORD our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. The LORD made not this covenant with our fathers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.”

Moses emphasizes the personal and immediate nature of the covenant. It wasn’t merely an agreement with their ancestors; it’s a living covenant for *them*, here and now. This echoes the personal relationship God desires with each of us. We, too, are called to hear, learn, keep, and do the commandments, not as ancient relics, but as vital instructions for our lives today. In the Coptic tradition, each liturgical service is a renewal of this covenant, a chance to reaffirm our commitment to Christ. Remember that every day offers a new opportunity for spiritual growth through faith and following God’s law. ✨

Spiritual Application: Reflect on your own personal covenant with God. How are you actively “keeping” and “doing” His commandments in your daily life? Seek to renew your commitment through prayer, repentance, and participation in the sacraments.

Deuteronomy 5:4-5 – God Speaks Face to Face

Deuteronomy 5:4-5 (KJV) “The LORD talked with you face to face in the mount out of the midst of the fire, (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,”

The image of God speaking “face to face” is powerful. While Moses acted as a mediator, the emphasis is on God’s direct communication. This directness highlights the accessibility of God, even in His awesome majesty. The fear of the people underscores the holiness and transcendence of God. This verse reminds us that approaching God requires reverence and humility. In the Coptic Orthodox tradition, the priest acts as a mediator during the liturgy, offering prayers and interceding on behalf of the congregation, mirroring Moses’ role. Through sacraments, rituals, and prayer, approach God who is both accessible and incomprehensible. 🕊️

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a sense of reverence and awe when approaching God in prayer. Acknowledge His holiness and your own unworthiness, but also remember His love and accessibility through Christ.

Deuteronomy 5:6-21 – The Ten Commandments

Deuteronomy 5:6-21 reiterates the Ten Commandments, the bedrock of ethical and moral living. Let’s explore each one through a Coptic Orthodox lens:

• Deuteronomy 5:6 – “I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage.” This is the foundational commandment, acknowledging God as the liberator and source of all good. It calls for exclusive devotion and reminds us of His constant presence in our lives. As St. Athanasius says, “Θεὸς ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν.” (Theos enēnthrōpēsen, hina hēmeis theopoiēthōmen. God became man so that man might become god.) (De Incarnatione, 54, 3). Our liberation from sin is parallel to the Israelites deliverance, and God wants us to be like Him.
• Deuteronomy 5:7 – “Thou shalt have none other gods before me.” This is a call to monotheism, rejecting all forms of idolatry, including the worship of material possessions, power, or worldly success. The Coptic Church emphasizes the veneration of saints, not as worship, but as honoring those who exemplify Christ’s virtues and intercede for us.
• Deuteronomy 5:8-10 – “Thou shalt not make thee any graven image…” This commandment prohibits the creation of idols and the worship of created things. It reminds us that God is Spirit and cannot be confined to material representations. Coptic iconography, while using images, serves as a window to heaven, not as objects of worship.
• Deuteronomy 5:11 – “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain…” This commandment calls for reverence and respect for God’s holy name. It condemns blasphemy, profanity, and using God’s name carelessly. In the Coptic tradition, invoking God’s name is a sacred act, done with humility and faith.
• Deuteronomy 5:12-15 – “Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it…” “Remember the Sabbath” is more than just abstaining from work; it’s about dedicating time to God, to prayer, to reflection, and to acts of charity. It’s a reminder of God’s creation and our dependence on Him. The Coptic Church celebrates the Lord’s Day (Sunday) as the Christian Sabbath, commemorating Christ’s resurrection. Find easy ways to create your website where you can schedule your week days according to your Sabbath day.
• Deuteronomy 5:16 – “Honour thy father and thy mother…” This commandment emphasizes the importance of family and the respect due to parents. It’s a foundational principle for a stable and harmonious society. The Coptic Church places a high value on family and teaches children to honor and obey their parents.
• Deuteronomy 5:17 – “Thou shalt not kill.” This commandment protects the sanctity of human life. It condemns murder in all its forms, including hatred, anger, and violence. The Coptic Church teaches that all human life is sacred from conception to natural death.
• Deuteronomy 5:18 – “Neither shalt thou commit adultery.” This commandment upholds the sanctity of marriage and condemns sexual immorality. It calls for faithfulness, purity, and respect within the marital relationship. The Coptic Church views marriage as a sacred sacrament, a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman.
• Deuteronomy 5:19 – “Neither shalt thou steal.” This commandment protects property rights and condemns theft in all its forms, including dishonesty, fraud, and exploitation. The Coptic Church teaches that we should be honest and just in all our dealings.
• Deuteronomy 5:20 – “Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.” This commandment calls for honesty and truthfulness in our speech. It condemns lying, slander, and gossip. The Coptic Church teaches that we should speak the truth in love.
• Deuteronomy 5:21 – “Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house…” This commandment addresses the root of sin – the desires of the heart. It calls for contentment and warns against envy and greed. The Coptic Church teaches that we should control our desires and seek spiritual riches rather than material possessions.

Spiritual Application: Examine your life in light of each commandment. Where do you fall short? Seek God’s grace to overcome temptation and live a life pleasing to Him.

Deuteronomy 5:22-33 – Fear of God and Obedience

Deuteronomy 5:22-33 (KJV) Details the people’s fear and Moses’ encouragement to obey God’s commands. The fear displayed is not of terror but of reverential awe, acknowledging God’s power and holiness. Moses emphasizes that obedience is not burdensome but leads to blessing and long life. He urges them to walk in all the ways God has commanded, assuring their well-being.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that true fear of God leads to obedience and a desire to please Him. Strive to live in accordance with His commandments, trusting that He will guide and protect you.

Remember the Sabbath: Key Reflections💡

Here are some key reflections on Deuteronomy 5, specifically as it relates to the commandment to “Remember the Sabbath”:

• Time as a Gift: The Sabbath reminds us that time is a gift from God, to be used wisely for both rest and spiritual renewal.
• Prioritizing God: Observing the Sabbath requires a conscious choice to prioritize God above our work and worldly pursuits.
• Spiritual Refreshment: The Sabbath is a time for prayer, worship, and reflection, allowing us to reconnect with God and find spiritual refreshment.
• Compassion and Charity: The Sabbath should also be a time for acts of compassion and charity, reaching out to those in need.
• Family and Community: The Sabbath is an opportunity to strengthen family bonds and connect with our faith community.
• Creation and Redemption: Keeping the Sabbath celebrates both God’s creation and His redemption of humanity.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Deuteronomy 5 and its relevance to Coptic Orthodox Christians:

• Q: Are the Ten Commandments still binding on Christians?

  A: Yes, the moral principles underlying the Ten Commandments are still binding on Christians. Jesus affirmed these principles in the Gospels, and they are foundational to Christian ethics. The Coptic Orthodox Church interprets them through the lens of the New Covenant, emphasizing love as the fulfillment of the law.

• Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church observe the Sabbath?

  A: While the Old Testament Sabbath was observed on Saturday, Christians celebrate the Lord’s Day (Sunday) as the Christian Sabbath, commemorating Christ’s resurrection. This includes attending church services, praying, reading the Bible, and spending time with family. It is a day devoted to worship and rest.

• Q: What is the significance of venerating saints in the Coptic Orthodox Church?

  A: Veneration of saints is not worship but rather an honoring of those who have lived exemplary lives of faith and are now in heaven interceding for us. We ask for their prayers, just as we ask for the prayers of fellow believers on earth. It is an integral part of Coptic spirituality.

• Q: How do the Ten Commandments relate to the concept of salvation in the Coptic Orthodox Church?

  A: While the Ten Commandments reveal God’s will and guide us towards righteous living, salvation is ultimately a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Obedience to the commandments is an expression of our love for God and a response to His grace, not a means of earning salvation.

Conclusion ✨

Deuteronomy 5, with its powerful reiteration of the Ten Commandments and its call to “Remember the Sabbath,” offers timeless wisdom for believers today. This chapter, rightly interpreted, isn’t just about following rules; it’s about cultivating a relationship with God rooted in love, obedience, and reverence. **Remember the Sabbath** by prioritizing time with God, engaging in acts of charity, and strengthening our communities, reflecting the light of Christ in all we do. Through repentance, faith, and a commitment to living in accordance with God’s will, we can experience the abundant life He has promised. Let us, therefore, strive to keep these commandments, not as a burden, but as a path to freedom and a deeper understanding of God’s love for us, and the sanctification of the world around us.

Tags

Deuteronomy 5, Ten Commandments, Sabbath, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Moses, Covenant, Law, Obedience, Faith

Meta Description

Explore Deuteronomy 5 with a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Uncover the spiritual meaning of the Ten Commandments and the call to “Remember the Sabbath” for modern believers. 💡