Revealed in the Law - Commandment 9

Commandment 9 - Commitment to Humankind

"You must not testify falsely against your neighbor."

Deuteronomy 24:8-16

The common denominator in this section is 
developing a mutual trust based on truthfulness.

The placement of this prohibition in the ninth place, and the particular words chosen "testify falsely" gives great insight into its purpose to conclude the commandments that can be enforced by the human legal system.  Gane further points out that since ancient Israelite courts mostly relied on testimony of witnesses, it was of particular importance that the people not misuse their testimony to falsely accuse or condemn others for any of the previous commandments or related laws. (10.1)  This included nonverbal ways to distort or obstruct the truth, especially standing by in silence as supported in related laws. (10.2)

So while there absolutely is a law against lying to one another (Leviticus 19:11), this ninth commandment is much more than that.  We can easily see how bearing false testimony can harm another person's dignity, reputation, identity, and freedom (if convicted).  These results would go against the all of the previous commandments relating to other humans, and be further heightened in their egregious impact because they are undeserved. Here we see God's kindness prominently displayed.

We can also see then how living in a community where we did not fear that our neighbors would falsely testify against us or lie to us, could develop a mutual trust based on truthfulness (could you imagine?).  This requires a commitment to humankind to always deal honestly with them and about them to others. (10.3)   As God is always truthful (Numbers 23:19) and faithful (Deuteronomy 7:9) so He expects His people to be as well.  As a people, we also know through experience that the most effective way to share the gospel with others is within the context of a relationship built upon trust, only then are their hearts open to receive God's truth.  It speaks volumes when we do not respond in kind to the way the world behaves and treats us.  We are to uphold our commitment to humankind no matter how humankind provokes us, thereby truly reflecting our Father's nature.

There is much said on the topic of damaging speech in the New Testament (Romans 1:29-30; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Timothy 5:13; James 3:1-18), and the unfortunate existence of such false testimony is the reason behind such laws as there must be at least two witnesses to condemn someone (Deuteronomy 19:15, 17:6; Exodus 23:1, 1 Kings 21:10, 13; Matthew 26:60-61). (10.4)

Reflecting on bearing false witness in our culture, though there are many benefits to social media, I can certainly see the damaging effects of presenting false or at least not-quite-the-whole-truth image of ourselves to others.  It's much worse when we shoot off messages that damage a relationship or reputation in the court of public opinion.  As followers of Jesus, we must keep ourselves to this higher standard for our good and the good of others, no matter how "right" we feel we are.  Again, we are given His strength through the Holy Spirit to succeed in this, but if we find ourselves provoked by the temptations beyond our endurance, then we simply must refrain from those activities (like being on social media) and/or find ourselves an accountability partner (Matthew 18:9).

Again, these commandments dealing with humans all deal with our actions that mostly manifest themselves externally.  God follows up the section in Leviticus 19 with a revealing of the root cause of such behavior in Leviticus 19:17-18 “Do not hate a fellow Israelite in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in their guilt. Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD."  So, with this highlighted, we can see that at the root of these prohibited actions is an uncircumcised heart to God.  Only He can see our heart since it's internal, but others in authority will judge the external manifestations.

God now turns to the final commandment in the Decalogue which deals with the principle that only He can judge.


Here are a few questions to ponder before you continue:

How is your heart responding to what you just learned?  
How could your activities be bearing any false witness to others?
How might those activities be harmful to them or you?
Is there someone or a group of people at whom you might be harboring a grudge?  If so, what is at the root of this grudge?
Regardless of past or present activities, are you willing to ask God's forgiveness for any of those transgressions and especially to ask Him to give you the strength to always bear truthful witness to others in your daily walk with Him?

Next Post:   Commandment 10

Credit Notes

Previous Posts:

Commandments 6-8

Commandment 5

Commandment 4

Commandment 3

Commandment 2

Commandment 1

The Decalogue (The Ten Commandments)

Some Background

Introduction

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Last updated: July 30, 2018