In the Hebrew community, a most famous statement found in the book of Exodus is often quoted to our children at one point or another: “Honor your father and your mother” (see Exodus 20:12).
This statement, which is also a commandment, was first verbally given to the nation of Israel coming out of Egypt. The Hebrew children had been born into and grew up in an “Egyptian way of life,” so it was to that generation and mindset that Yah directed his instructions. You can imagine how hard it was for the Israelite parents to pass moral teachings down to their children, while they themselves were being oppressed by the Egyptians. How could their own children be inclined to honor or respect them when the Egyptians had stripped authority from the nation as a whole?
The first example of a son being born who did not honor their father and mother was Cain.
8“Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9Then Yah said to Cain, ‘Where is Abel your brother?’ He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?’ 10And Yah said, ‘What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.’ ”
—Genesis 4:8 – 10
Cain did not have the right to take Abel’s life. By doing so he dishonored his parents who were earthly representations of our Elohim. Adam and Eve were given authority over their children to instruct them according to Yah’s laws.
6Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
—Proverbs 22:6
When Yah wrote the Fifth Commandment on Mount Sinai, he went on to further explain why the children of Israel should obey it and what reward would be had in this life in doing so.
12“that your days may be long in the land that Yah your Elohim is giving you.”
—Exodus 20:12
This commandment, though simple on the surface, was so misunderstood even back in Yeshua’s days that he had to clarify who should be considered “parents!”
47Someone told him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, asking to speak to you.” 48But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 50For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
—Matthew 12:47 – 50
Yep, those who do the will of Yah. As parents, we sometimes lose sight of this when our toddler or teenager is throwing a temper tantrum—been there, done that, as they say. Practically all parents or guardians can attest to a situation where a child openly defies authority, no matter their age. But it is with a heavy heart and shamefacedness that—on many occasions—I asked my own child for forgiveness. Parents, remember we are all growing … growing up Hebrew together. For we too have to give an account when we dishonor our spiritual Father in any way, by our words or conduct.
36I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
—Matthew 12:36
As parents who are living Hebrew, we must no longer let these commandments roll off our tongues to settle a matter like a pebble rolling downhill. With regard to our children’s concerns and disagreements, prayerfully discuss and search the Scriptures together to settle a matter. After all, we are given the great charge of raising a nation of priests and virtuous daughters. We as parents should be an example in honoring Yah’s name inside and outside the home so our children can learn of and fully understand the ways of Yah. For Yah judges and rewards each person accordingly, no matter their age.
This is still true today. For, in Ezekiel 9 we read:
4“And Yah said to him, ‘Pass through the city, through Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and groan over all the abominations that are committed in it.’ 5And to the others he said in my hearing, ‘Pass through the city after him, and strike. Your eye shall not spare, and you shall show no pity. 6Kill old men outright, young men and maidens, little children and women, but touch no one on whom is the mark. And begin at my sanctuary.’ So they began with the elders who were before the house.’ ”
—Ezekiel 9:4 – 6
Even the young were set apart to be preserved or destroyed. They of themselves have to choose to abstain from sin and despise wickedness. Without a doubt, when Yeshua returns, it will be a day of judgement for young and old alike.
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This was an excellent article and I really enjoyed reading "Keeping the Commandment with Promise."
—KaRon H.
