The Ninth Commandment, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16, KJV), and the Ninth Plague, a three-day darkness over Egypt (Exodus 10:21-29, KJV), reveal profound spiritual and moral truths when compared. While distinct in purpose—one a moral law and the other a divine judgment—their shared themes of darkness, consequences of disobedience, community impact, and God’s authority emphasize the importance of truthfulness and submission to God’s will.

ABSTRACT

The Ninth Plague’s literal darkness mirrors the moral and spiritual darkness resulting from deceit, as addressed in the Ninth Commandment. During the plague, Egypt was shrouded in complete darkness, described in Exodus 10:21 as “a darkness which may be felt” (KJV). This tangible darkness symbolized the Egyptians’ spiritual blindness and idolatry. The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV). Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight (Proverbs 12:22, KJV). Ellen G. White elaborates on the Ninth Commandment, stating that deceit and intentional falsehoods obscure the light of truth, creating relational and spiritual darkness. Parents, never prevaricate; never tell an untruth in precept or in example. If you want your child to be truthful, be truthful yourself. Be straight and undeviating. Even a slight prevarication should not be allowed. Because mothers are accustomed to prevaricate and be untruthful, the child follows her example (Child Guidance, p. 151, 1954). Teachers of falsehood will arise to draw you away from the narrow path and the strait gate. Beware of them; though concealed in sheep’s clothing, inwardly they are ravening wolves (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 145, 1896). She warns, “All intentional overstatement, every hint or insinuation calculated to convey an erroneous or exaggerated impression… constitutes falsehood” (The Desire of Ages, p. 309, 1898). This darkness harms individuals and communities, isolating them from God’s truth. Just as the Ninth Plague highlighted the physical separation caused by darkness, deceit creates emotional and spiritual separation, disrupting trust and unity, but how do these acts of rebellion exact a heavy personal toll upon us?

CONSEQUENCES OF DISOBEDIENCE

The consequences of disobedience are evident in both the Ninth Commandment and the Ninth Plague. Pharaoh’s refusal to heed God’s commands resulted in the plague of darkness, a judgment demonstrating God’s authority and displeasure at rebellion. Sr. White emphasizes that the plagues were meant to “destroy the Egyptians’ confidence in their idols and demonstrate the power of the true God” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 333, 1890). A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish (Proverbs 19:9, KJV). He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight (Psalm 101:7, KJV). Similarly, violating the Ninth Commandment by bearing false witness brings moral and societal breakdown, as deceit undermines justice and integrity. When God says “Thou shalt not,” He in love warns us of the consequences of disobedience, in order to save us from harm and loss (Education, p. 287, 1903). Some will be honest when it costs nothing; but when policy will pay best, honesty is forgotten. Honesty and policy will not work together in the same mind. In time, either policy will be expelled, and truth and honesty reign supreme, or, if policy is cherished, honesty will be forgotten (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 96, 1889). Biblical examples, such as Cain’s guilt after lying about Abel’s murder (Genesis 4:8-13, KJV), show the heavy emotional toll of disobedience. Cain lamented, “My punishment is greater than I can bear… I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth” (Genesis 4:13-14, KJV), illustrating how deceit leads to guilt, fear, and alienation. Sr. White reflects on this in “Patriarchs and Prophets”: “Every transgression reacts upon the sinner, works in him a change of character, and makes it easier for him to transgress again” (p. 61, 1890). Yet, what broader repercussions do such transgressions weave into the very fabric of our communities?

IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY

Both the Ninth Commandment and the Ninth Plague demonstrate how violations or judgments affect the community. The darkness of the plague isolated the Egyptians, as “They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days” (Exodus 10:23, KJV). This physical isolation parallels the social division caused by deceit. Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of the body (Ephesians 4:25, KJV). These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates (Zechariah 8:16, KJV). False witness creates distrust and damages relationships, as seen in Jacob’s deception of Isaac (Genesis 27:18-36, KJV). Jacob’s lie to steal Esau’s blessing led to years of familial separation and personal anxiety, illustrating the far-reaching consequences of dishonesty. Sr. White’s insights further highlight that maintaining truthfulness ensures societal cohesion, while deceit fosters division and isolation. Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 236, 1889). It is one of Satan’s devices to combine with falsehood just enough truth to give it plausibility (The Great Controversy, p. 587, 1911). She notes in “Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing”: “The atmosphere of selfishness and falsehood is poisonous to the soul. He who indulges in deceit to gain his ends is only heaping to himself misery and ruin” (p. 128, 1896). Furthermore, she emphasizes in “Testimonies for the Church”: “Falsehood destroys unity, breeds suspicion, and sows discord among brethren” (Vol. 5, p. 179, 1889). In what profound way do these violations ultimately confront the sovereign power of God Himself?

AFFIRMING GOD’S AUTHORITY

Finally, both the Ninth Commandment and the Ninth Plague underscore God’s authority. The plague demonstrated His power over creation, challenging Egypt’s idolatry and affirming His sovereignty. In contrast, the Ninth Commandment reflects God’s moral authority, emphasizing that truth is central to His character. Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6, KJV). And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32, KJV). Sr. White’s writings connect the two, stating that “truthfulness and integrity… promote both mental and physical well-being” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 251, 1905). In rejecting the truth, men reject its Author. In trampling upon the law of God, they deny the authority of the Law-giver (The Great Controversy, p. 583, 1911). Violating this commandment not only disrupts human relationships but also disrespects God’s law, inviting judgment. Examples like David’s deceit regarding Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12, KJV) reveal the spiritual consequences of dishonesty, as David’s guilt led him to lament, “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long” (Psalm 32:3, KJV). Sr. White in “Steps to Christ” underscores this: “The heart of man is by nature darkened and perverted by sin. Only through repentance and submission to God’s law can the soul find restoration” (p. 44, 1892). What overarching connections might we draw from these intertwined biblical events to guide our daily walk?

PARALLELS AND LESSONS

The Ninth Commandment and the Ninth Plague, though distinct in application, share thematic parallels that underscore the dangers of deceit and rebellion. Both reveal the isolating and destructive effects of moral and spiritual darkness, the communal consequences of disobedience, and the ultimate authority of God. Through these lessons, we are reminded of the importance of truthfulness and submission to God’s will, which bring light and harmony to our lives and communities.

Proverbs 12:22 (KJV): Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these truths about divine laws against deceit, allowing them to shape my character and priorities toward unwavering honesty?

How can we adapt these themes of truth and its shadows to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned community members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about the Ninth Commandment and its connections to biblical plagues in our community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of God’s call to integrity and His ultimate victory over falsehood?