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Deuteronomy 4:37
And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, and brought thee out in his sight with his mighty power out of Egypt;

Deuteronomy 5:29
O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!

Deuteronomy 7:9
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, heis God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

love me

John 14:15,21
If ye love me, keep my commandments…

1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us.

1 John 5:3
For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

to a thousand generations
The expression "a thousand generations" is hyperbolic, emphasizing the vastness and perpetuity of God's faithfulness. It suggests an immeasurable duration, indicating that God's covenantal love extends far beyond human limitations. This phrase is echoed inDeuteronomy 7:9, reinforcing the idea that God's promises and blessings are enduring. It contrasts with the consequences of disobedience mentioned earlier in the passage, underscoring the greater extent of God's mercy over His judgment.

of those who love Me
Loving God is a central tenet of the biblical faith, encapsulated in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-5), which Jesus cites as the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). This love is not merely emotional but involves a commitment to God’s will and ways. It is a relational love that requires fidelity and devotion, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and His people. This love is demonstrated through obedience and is a response to God's prior love and faithfulness.

and keep My commandments
Obedience to God's commandments is a tangible expression of love for Him. The commandments, given at Sinai, form the basis of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. They are not merely legalistic requirements but are intended to guide the people in living a life that reflects God's character and purposes. Jesus reiterates this connection between love and obedience inJohn 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments," highlighting the continuity of this principle in the New Testament. Obedience is thus both a response to God's love and a means of maintaining the covenant relationship.

“but showing loving devotion…” (Exodus 20:6) spotlights God’s active, faithful kindness.

• Scripture repeatedly confirms His covenant love: “The LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).

• Unlike the fleeting loyalty of people, His devotion endures (Psalm 136:1).

• This phrase follows the warning against idolatry (Exodus 20:4-5), contrasting the destructive path of false worship with the life-giving loyalty of the true God.

Cross references emphasize His steadfast love even when judgment is deserved—seeNumbers 14:18 andPsalm 103:8. In every era He chooses to bless those who cling to Him.

“…to a thousand generations…” expands the promise beyond any single lifetime.

• The number is not meant to cap God’s commitment; it stresses immeasurable reach—far greater than “third and fourth” in the preceding verse.

•Deuteronomy 7:9 mirrors this thought: “He keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him.”

•Psalm 105:8 says He “remembers His covenant forever, the word He commanded for a thousand generations.”

By placing blessing on the distant horizon, the Lord assures families that obedience today shapes futures they will never personally see.

“…of those who love Me…” reveals relationship at the heart of obedience.

• Love is personal affection for God, not mere duty (Deuteronomy 6:5).

• Jesus highlights the same principle: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

• Love roots itself in gratitude for redemption—Israel’s rescue from Egypt (Exodus 20:2) and our rescue through Christ (Romans 5:8).

The verse does not teach salvation by lineage; each generation must love Him for itself, yet receives the benefit of earlier faithfulness.

“…and keep My commandments” completes the picture—love proves genuine by obedience.

• Obedience flows from trust in His goodness (Psalm 19:7-11).

• New-covenant believers echo this: “This is love for God: to keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3).

• The linkage guards against sentimental definitions of love; true devotion bows to His revealed will (John 14:23).

When children see parents practicing heartfelt obedience, they inherit both example and blessing, inviting God’s continued favor.

Exodus 20:6 promises that God freely pours out steadfast, covenant love to those who respond to Him with loving obedience. His kindness outstrips His judgments, spanning “a thousand generations,” underscoring that every act of faithful love today can ripple forward in tangible blessing for centuries to come.