Tuesday, September 22, 2026
City of Praise reflectionCommunity and fellowship — Deuteronomy 5:17-24
Community and fellowship
Today’s Scripture: Deuteronomy 5:17-24 (KJV)
- Thou shalt not kill.
- Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
- Neither shalt thou steal.
- Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
- Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
- These words the Lord spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me.
- And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;
- And ye said, Behold, the Lord our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth.
Guided reflection
Read Deuteronomy 5:17-24 slowly, then read the surrounding chapter. Read within the story of creation, covenant and Israel’s formation. Distinguish God’s commands to Israel from the way Christians apply their enduring lessons through Christ.
Attend especially to Deuteronomy 5:21: “Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour’s wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour’s.”
Observe: Who is speaking or acting, and what changes across these verses? Identify a word, action or contrast in Deuteronomy 5:17-24 that helps you explain the passage in your own words.
Reflect: What does this passage teach about our responsibilities toward other people? Ground your answer in Deuteronomy 5:21 and its surrounding verses. If the connection to this month’s theme is indirect, let the passage’s own meaning lead.
Respond: Reach out to one person who may be overlooked and listen before offering advice. Write one sentence explaining how your response follows from Deuteronomy 5:17-24, and return to it this evening.
Put the Word into practice
Choose one truth from today’s passage. Write down one practical step you can take today, then ask God for grace to follow through.
Today’s prayer
Father, as I consider Deuteronomy 5:21, build patience and generosity in my relationships. Let the truth of this passage correct my assumptions and shape my response today. Help me practise what is faithful to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Part of our Scripture-led study plan. Read the passage in context and use the prompts for personal reflection.