Ninth Commandment – No False Witness Against Neighbors

Ninth Commandment – No False Witness Against Neighbors

Exodus 20:  ¹⁶ “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

 

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GOD told Moses and the children of Israel not to bear false witness against their neighbors.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be addressing a mindset of gaining power by lying about someone.
• GOD specifically used “false witness” that counters the “true witness” that is needed.
• JESUS would face false witnesses who would be instrumental in HIS death.

 

The very thing GOD commanded against would be used to kill JESUS. False witness is an untruth about what a person saw or experienced. While it is a lie, it holds a different meaning to GOD. A false witness sentences an innocent person to judgement.

 

If I lied and said “I didn’t break that window” when I broke the window, I am the one who will face the consequence of my lie. BUT GOD was pointing out that a witness to something means there is a situation that needs a judge and the outcome needs witnesses who will provide a testimony that the judge can use for a sentence.

 

A false witness could cause an innocent person to bear judgment. Some powerful people have used false witnesses to bring down a leader so they themselves, can remain in power or gain it. GOD does not like false anything.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS command to not bear false witness?
• Have you lied about what you actually saw or who was actually involved?
• Have you asked yourself if GOD will gain anything by your false witness about something or someone?