You must not blaspheme GodThis command underscores the importance of reverence for God, a central tenet in the Israelite community. Blasphemy, or speaking irreverently about God, was considered a grave sin, reflecting a heart that does not honor the Creator. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, where God was seen as the ultimate authority and protector, blasphemy was not only a personal offense but a communal one, threatening the covenant relationship between God and His people. The seriousness of this command is echoed in
Leviticus 24:16, where blasphemy is punishable by death, highlighting the sanctity of God's name. This reverence is further emphasized in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches His disciples to hallow God's name in the Lord's Prayer (
Matthew 6:9).
or curse the ruler of your people
This phrase reflects the theocratic nature of ancient Israel, where civil and religious leadership were intertwined. The ruler, often a king or judge, was seen as God's appointed leader, and cursing such a figure was akin to rebelling against God's established order. This command promotes respect for authority, a principle reiterated in the New Testament by Paul inRomans 13:1-7, where believers are instructed to submit to governing authorities as they are instituted by God. Historically, this respect for leadership was crucial for maintaining social order and unity within the community. The ruler's role was not only administrative but also spiritual, guiding the people in adherence to God's laws. This respect for authority can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate ruler and shepherd of His people, deserving of honor and obedience.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
GodThe supreme being, creator, and sustainer of the universe, who is to be revered and respected.
2.
Ruler of your peopleRefers to the leaders or authorities appointed over the Israelites, such as judges or kings, who are to be respected as representatives of God's order.
3.
IsraelitesThe people of God to whom the laws and commandments were given, including this directive in Exodus.
4.
MosesThe prophet and leader through whom God delivered the law to the Israelites.
5.
Mount SinaiThe place where Moses received the law from God, including the commandments found in Exodus.
Teaching Points
Reverence for GodRecognize the importance of honoring God in our speech and actions. Blasphemy is not just about words but reflects a heart attitude towards God.
Respect for AuthorityUnderstand that respecting leaders is part of God's order. Even when we disagree, we are called to honor their position.
Guarding Our SpeechBe mindful of how we speak about God and leaders. Our words should reflect our respect and reverence.
Submission to God's OrderAcknowledge that God has established authorities for our good. Trust in His sovereignty even when human leaders fail.
Balancing Obedience and ConscienceWhile respecting authority, remember that our ultimate allegiance is to God. When human laws conflict with God's commands, we must choose to obey God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 22:28?
2.How does Exodus 22:28 instruct us to respect authority figures in our lives?
3.What does "do not curse God" teach about our speech towards the divine?
4.How can honoring leaders in Exodus 22:28 be applied in today's society?
5.Which New Testament verses reinforce the principles found in Exodus 22:28?
6.How can we practically show respect for God and leaders daily?
7.What does Exodus 22:28 mean by "cursing God" in a modern context?
8.How does Exodus 22:28 relate to respecting authority figures today?
9.Why does Exodus 22:28 emphasize not reviling God or rulers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 22?
11.(2 Samuel 16:10–12) Does David’s acceptance of Shimei’s cursing contradict other texts where blasphemy or cursing of God’s anointed is forbidden?
12.What does 'reviler' mean in the Bible?
13.What does "reviler" mean in the Bible?
14.Acts 23:2–5 – Why would Paul insult the high priest if he claimed to follow Jewish law and respect its leaders?What Does Exodus 22:28 Mean
You must not blaspheme God- The verse opens by commanding absolute reverence for the LORD. Because He is holy, His name must never be treated lightly or spoken in anger, jest, or disrespect (Leviticus 24:15–16;Psalm 29:2).
- Jesus taught the same heart posture when He began the Lord’s Prayer: “hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9).
- Revering God’s name shapes the way believers speak in every setting: praise, prayer, and daily conversation (James 3:9–10).
- To blaspheme is not merely a slip of the tongue; it rejects God’s rightful place as King and Judge. The command therefore guards worship, testimony, and personal holiness.
or curse- “Curse” broadens the prohibition to any spoken wish of harm, contempt, or disrespect toward another.
- In the wider context of Exodus, life-giving speech is part of loving one’s neighbor (Exodus 21:17;Proverbs 18:21).
- New-Testament teaching echoes this call: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14).
- Words reveal the heart. A mouth that freely curses people ultimately dishonors the God who made them (James 3:9).
the ruler of your people- God established human authorities for order and justice (Romans 13:1–2). Speaking evil of a ruler undermines that order and, by extension, resists God Himself.
- When Paul faced the high priest’s injustice, he quickly applied this very verse: “I did not realize, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people’” (Acts 23:5).
- Respect does not equal blind approval. Prophets confronted kings, yet they addressed them with honor (2 Samuel 12:7;1 Kings 18:17–18).
- Practical outworking:
• Pray consistently for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2).
• Address civic concerns respectfully.
• Model submission to lawful authority unless it commands sin (Acts 5:29).
- Peter sums it up well: “Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).
summaryExodus 22:28 binds God’s people to speak with reverence in two directions: upward toward the LORD and outward toward governing authorities. Words that honor God and respect rulers reflect a heart aligned with His rule, protect community harmony, and showcase a distinctively righteous witness in the world.
(28)
Thou shalt not revile the gods.--The LXX. And Vulgate give the passage this sense; and so it was understood, or at any rate expounded, by Philo (
De Vit. Mos.ii. 26) and Josephus (
Ant. Jud.iv. 8, ? 10), who boasted that the Jews abstained from reviling the gods of the nations. But the practice of the most pious Israelites in the best times was different (
1Kings 18:27;
Psalm 115:4-8;
Psalm 135:15-18;
Isaiah 41:29;
Isaiah 44:9-20;
Jeremiah 10:11-15, &c.). The gods of the heathen were uniformly, and with the utmost scorn. "reviled." It has been suggested that the true meaning of
elohimin this place is "judges" (Rosenmller, Zunz, Herxheimer); but to have that sense, the word requires the article. It is best, therefore, to translate by "God," as is done by De Wette, Knobel, Keil, Kalisch, Canon Cook, &c., and to understand the entire passage as intended to connect the sin of cursing a ruler with that of reviling God, the ruler being regarded as God's representative. . . .
Verse 28.-
Law against reviling God, or rulers. It has been proposed to render Elohim here either
1. "God;" or
2. "The gods;" or
3
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You must not
לֹ֣א(lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no
blaspheme
תְקַלֵּ֑ל(ṯə·qal·lêl)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7043:To be slight, swift or trifling
God
אֱלֹהִ֖ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
or curse
תָאֹֽר׃(ṯā·’ōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 779:To execrate
the ruler
וְנָשִׂ֥יא(wə·nā·śî)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5387:An exalted one, a king, sheik, a rising mist
of your people.
בְעַמְּךָ֖(ḇə·‘am·mə·ḵā)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock
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OT Law: Exodus 22:28 You shall not blaspheme God nor curse (Exo. Ex)