Honor And Blessing

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

Exodus 20:12

There is widespread agreement that the custom of standing during the “Hallelujah Chorus” of Handel’s Messiah began with King George II of England. When the king stood, everyone in the room stood.

Showing respect for authorities, women, the elderly, parents, and others is fast disappearing in modern cultures. In ancient cultures, a failure to show respect could have a serious impact on one’s lifespan. The fifth of the Ten Commandments promised long life in the Promised Land to Israelites who honored their parents.

Theologians refer to this law as the “law of filial obedience,” and violation of this law could lead to the death of a rebellious child. Children of all ages have a biblical responsibility to honor their parents in appropriate ways and the expectation of God’s blessing upon their “filial obedience.”

Honoring one’s parents translates to “the fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 1:7) as we honor our own heavenly Father.