PARALLELS BETWEEN THE NINTH COMMANDMENT AND THE NINTH PLAGUE

And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the striking parallels between the Ninth Commandment and the Ninth Plague, uncovering shared motifs of darkness, the repercussions of rebellion, societal disruption, and divine sovereignty. Through biblical analysis and insights from Ellen G. White, it illuminates the vital role of honesty and obedience in fostering spiritual light and communal harmony.

JUDGMENT’S DARK SECRETS!

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 they differ in context—one a moral law and the other a divine judgment—their shared themes of darkness, consequences of disobedience, community impact, and God’s authority underline the significance of truthfulness and submission to God’s will. Scripture supports this connection as Proverbs 12:17 declares, “He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit” (KJV), highlighting how truth aligns with God’s righteousness while falsehood breeds injustice. Zechariah 8:16 further emphasizes, “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” (KJV), showing truth as essential for peace and judgment. Ellen G. White affirms these ideas, writing, “Truth is sacred, preeminently sacred. In heaven it is enthroned in righteousness” (Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 359, 1913). She also notes, “The truth as it is in Jesus can be experienced, but never explained. Its height and breadth and depth pass our knowledge” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 129, 1900). These elements raise the question, how does the literal darkness of the plague reflect the deeper shadows cast by dishonesty?

DARKNESS MIRRORS DECEIT!

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. Similarly, Ellen G. White elaborates on the Ninth Commandment, stating that deceit and intentional falsehoods obscure the light of truth, creating relational and spiritual darkness. She warns, “All intentional overstatement, every hint or insinuation calculated to convey an erroneous or exaggerated impression… constitutes falsehood” (Ellen G. White Estate). 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. Sr. White further adds in “The Desire of Ages”: “The moment we indulge in deception, we lose the divine favor and impair our moral faculties” (p. 123), emphasizing that deceit results in spiritual blindness similar to Egypt’s darkness. The Bible reveals this through Ephesians 5:11, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (KJV), urging separation from deeds that foster obscurity. John 3:19 states, “And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil” (KJV), illustrating preference for shadows in wrongdoing. Sr. White explains, “Falsehood and deception of every manner is sin against the God of truth and justice” (Counsels on Health, p. 34, 1923). She also writes, “Any departure from the right, any sin, opens the door for temptation and leads to spiritual darkness” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 478, 1911). With these truths in mind, what repercussions arise when we ignore God’s commands on honesty?

CONSEQUENCES OF REBELLION!

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. Ellen G. White emphasizes that the plagues were meant to “destroy the Egyptians’ confidence in their idols and demonstrate the power of the true God” (Ellen White Info). Similarly, violating the Ninth Commandment by bearing false witness brings moral and societal breakdown, as deceit undermines justice and integrity. 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. By choosing to sin, men separate themselves from God, cut themselves off from the channel of blessing, and the sure result is ruin and death” (p. 56). She also notes in “Education”: “The power to deceive carries with it a destruction of trust, breaking bonds of fellowship that are central to God’s design” (p. 92). Scripture further illustrates this with Proverbs 19:9, “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall perish” (KJV), warning of inevitable retribution for lies. Revelation 21:8 declares, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death” (KJV), underscoring eternal outcomes. Sr. White states, “Disobedience brings disappointment and failure in its train” (Child Guidance, p. 566, 1954). She adds, “The violation of physical law, and the consequence, human suffering, have so long prevailed that men and women look upon these evils as the appointed lot of humanity” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, p. 119, 1938). Considering these penalties, how do such acts ripple outward to affect the community?

COMMUNITY IN CHAOS!

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. 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. Ellen G. White’s insights further highlight that maintaining truthfulness ensures societal cohesion, while deceit fosters division and isolation. 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). Furthermore, she emphasizes in “Testimonies for the Church”: “Falsehood destroys unity, breeds suspicion, and sows discord among brethren” (Vol. 5, p. 179). The Bible highlights this through Proverbs 16:28, “A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends” (KJV), showing how whispers of deceit fracture bonds. Proverbs 6:19 identifies, “A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren” (KJV), as detestable acts that breed division. Sr. White writes, “Deception in any form will disqualify the possessor for a place in the city of God” (The Adventist Home, p. 403, 1952). She also observes, “Every act of falsehood leads men to misconstrue God and misrepresent His character” (Manuscript Releases, Vol. 19, p. 164, 1990). Amid these divisions, what ultimate power does God assert through truth and judgment?

GOD’S SUPREME RULE!

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. White’s writings connect the two, stating that “truthfulness and integrity… promote both mental and physical well-being” (The Ministry of Healing). 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. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer” (Psalm 32:3-4, 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). She further writes in “The Great Controversy”: “In the final judgment, the exposure of deceit will bring to light the full extent of its harm, vindicating God’s justice” (p. 590). Scripture affirms this with Hebrews 6:18, “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us” (KJV), declaring God’s unchanging truthfulness. John 14:6 proclaims, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (KJV), establishing Christ as truth incarnate. Sr. White declares, “God could employ only such means as were consistent with truth and righteousness” (The Sanctified Life, p. 67, 1889). She also notes, “Truthfulness and integrity are attributes of God, and he who possesses these qualities possesses a power that is invincible” (Messages to Young People, p. 35, 1930). As we reflect on this authority, how do these insights guide our daily pursuit of truth?

LESSONS FOR TODAY!

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. Scripture supports this summary in Proverbs 12:22, “Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight” (KJV), contrasting divine disdain for lies with favor for truth. Jeremiah 17:9 warns, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (KJV), exposing inherent tendencies toward falsehood. Sr. White affirms, “The practice of telling the truth forms a shield against the temptations of Satan” (My Life Today, p. 331, 1952). She also writes, “Every falsehood, though uttered with the best of motives, is still a falsehood, and will react upon the character” (Letter 16, 1906).

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PARALLELS BETWEEN THE NINTH COMMANDMENT AND THE NINTH PLAGUE

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