Q.110. What reason is added to the second commandment emphasizing how important it is to obey it?

A. The reason added to this commandment to emphasize its importance is in these words: For I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments.[1] In addition to calling attention to the fact that God totally rules over us, so that we belong to him,[2] these words point to his fervent eagerness to be worshiped correctly,[3] and that he is angered and takes vengeance on all false worship, which he sees as spiritual prostitution.[4] He views breaking this commandment as equivalent to hating him and threatens to punish those who do break it for several generations.[5] He also equates observing this commandment with loving him and keeping all his commandments, and promises mercy for many generations to those who do it.[6]

1	Exodus 20:5-6	dummy text
2	Psalms 45:11	dummy text
	Revelation 15:3-4	dummy text
3	Exodus 34:13-14	dummy text
4	1 Corinthians 10:20-22	dummy text
	Jeremiah 7:18-20	dummy text
	Ezekiel 16:26-27	dummy text
	Deuteronomy 32:16-20	dummy text
5	Hosea 2:2-4	dummy text
6	Deuteronomy 5:29	dummy text