Exodus 22:28 You must not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

Exodus 22:8,9
If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods…

Psalm 32:6
For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.

Psalm 82:1-7
A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods…

nor curse

Exodus 21:17
And he that curseth his father, or his mother, shall surely be put to death.

1 Samuel 24:6,10
And he said unto his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing unto my master, the LORD'S anointed, to stretch forth mine hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD…

1 Samuel 26:9
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD'S anointed, and be guiltless?

or curse the ruler of your people
This phrase reflects the theocratic nature of ancient Israel, where civil and religious leadership were intertwined. The ruler, often a king or judge, was seen as God's appointed leader, and cursing such a figure was akin to rebelling against God's established order. This command promotes respect for authority, a principle reiterated in the New Testament by Paul in Romans 13:1-7, where believers are instructed to submit to governing authorities as they are instituted by God. Historically, this respect for leadership was crucial for maintaining social order and unity within the community. The ruler's role was not only administrative but also spiritual, guiding the people in adherence to God's laws. This respect for authority can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate ruler and shepherd of His people, deserving of honor and obedience.

- The verse opens by commanding absolute reverence for the LORD. Because He is holy, His name must never be treated lightly or spoken in anger, jest, or disrespect (Leviticus 24:15–16; Psalm 29:2).

- Jesus taught the same heart posture when He began the Lord’s Prayer: “hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9).

- Revering God’s name shapes the way believers speak in every setting: praise, prayer, and daily conversation (James 3:9–10).

- To blaspheme is not merely a slip of the tongue; it rejects God’s rightful place as King and Judge. The command therefore guards worship, testimony, and personal holiness.

- “Curse” broadens the prohibition to any spoken wish of harm, contempt, or disrespect toward another.

- In the wider context of Exodus, life-giving speech is part of loving one’s neighbor (Exodus 21:17; Proverbs 18:21).

- New-Testament teaching echoes this call: “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14).

- Words reveal the heart. A mouth that freely curses people ultimately dishonors the God who made them (James 3:9).

- God established human authorities for order and justice (Romans 13:1–2). Speaking evil of a ruler undermines that order and, by extension, resists God Himself.

- When Paul faced the high priest’s injustice, he quickly applied this very verse: “I did not realize, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people’” (Acts 23:5).

- Respect does not equal blind approval. Prophets confronted kings, yet they addressed them with honor (2 Samuel 12:7; 1 Kings 18:17–18).

- Practical outworking:

• Pray consistently for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2).

• Address civic concerns respectfully.

• Model submission to lawful authority unless it commands sin (Acts 5:29).

- Peter sums it up well: “Honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).

Exodus 22:28 binds God’s people to speak with reverence in two directions: upward toward the LORD and outward toward governing authorities. Words that honor God and respect rulers reflect a heart aligned with His rule, protect community harmony, and showcase a distinctively righteous witness in the world.

1. "God;" or

2. "The gods;" or

3

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