THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, are the fundamental laws given by God to the Israelites at Mount Sinai.
They are encapsulated in “ten words,” as the Hebrew term Decalogue suggests. The initial four commandments pertain to the Israelites’ obligations to God, while the subsequent six outline their responsibilities towards one another. These commandments serve as the cornerstone of moral and ethical conduct for the Israelites and are regarded as foundational principles in Judeo-Christian tradition.
Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. ( Exodus 34:28 )
Etymology
“Decalogue” indeed traces its origins back to the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, known as the Septuagint, where it was rendered as “δεκάλογος” (dekálogos), meaning “ten words” or “ten sayings.” This Greek term was then Latinized as “decalogus,” and eventually made its way into the English language as “Decalogue.” Deca-ten, Loguedialogue. It serves as an alternative name for the Ten Commandments, highlighting their concise and foundational nature as divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai.
THE COVENANT OF THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AT SINAI
A Divine Encounter with God
After enduring centuries of oppression in Egypt, the Israelites cried out to God for deliverance. Responding to their pleas, God appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush and tasked him with leading His people to freedom. Three months after their miraculous escape from Egypt, the Israelites arrived at the wilderness of Sinai.
“Keep my commands and follow them. I am the LORD. 32 Do not profane my holy name, for I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the LORD, who made you holy 33 and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD.” ( Leviticus 22: 31-33 )
Standing at the base of Mount Sinai, God spoke to Moses once more, delivering a crucial message for the wandering Israelites. He reminded them of the incredible deeds He had performed in Egypt, rescuing them from bondage and bringing them to Himself. God emphasized that if they obeyed Him fully and upheld His covenant, they would become His treasured possession among all nations.
‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you] will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” ( Exodus 19: 4-6 )
On the third day, the mountain is shrouded in smoke, accompanied by lightning and thunder, signalling God’s descent upon it in a fiery manifestation, causing the entire mountain to quake in awe-inspiring reverence.
On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. ( Exodus 19: 16-19 )
God’s majestic voice resounds as He proclaims the Ten Commandments to Moses, commencing with the declaration, “I am the Lord your God.” These commandments encompass comprehensive moral, ethical, and religious guidelines for the Israelites to follow. ( Exodus 20:1-17)
Following the delivery of the commandments, God instructs Moses to ascend the mountain, where He presents him with two stone tablets inscribed with the commandments, inscribed by the divine finger of God Himself.
When the LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God. ( Exodus 31:18 )
Moses descends from the mountain, bearing the sacred tablets described as the craftsmanship of God and inscribed on both the front and back, symbolizing the divine origin and completeness of the commandments.
Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides, front and back. 16 The tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. ( Exodus 32: 15-16 )
Before this encounter at Mount Sinai, God had not provided the Israelites with a formal code of laws or specific regulations to follow, nor had He revealed the details of His new covenant with them. After two days of consecration and preparation, the entire community of Israel assembled at the base of the mountain to receive the word of the Lord. While only Moses and Aaron were permitted to ascend the mountain and approach God’s near presence, the rest of the Israelites stood at the foot of the mountain, trembling with anticipation. Despite their distance, God’s voice resonated through the tumultuous display of smoke, fire, earthquake, and trumpet blasts, ensuring that His message reached the ears of all those gathered. God continued to give direction to his people through Moses, including civil and ceremonial laws for managing their lives and their worship. Eventually, God called Moses to the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights. This time he gave Moses instructions for building the Tabernacle and conducting the offerings. ( Exodus 25 -31 ) , ( Exodus 35 – 40 )
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS:THE DIVINE DECALOGUE
Understanding the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, often referred to as the Decalogue, stand as a cornerstone of moral and religious guidance in Judeo-Christian tradition. Engraved upon two stone tablets, these commandments were divinely revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai and served as the bedrock of ethical living and spiritual devotion.
1.You shall have no other gods before me
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
“You shall have no other gods before me.
This commandment establishes monotheism as the foundational principle of faith. It emphasizes the exclusive devotion to the one true God who liberated the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This proclamation lays the groundwork for a covenantal relationship between God and His people, rooted in unwavering loyalty and reverence.
2.You shall not make for yourself an idol
4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments. ( Exodus 20: 4-6 )
This commandment prohibits the worship of false gods or the creation of graven images for worship. It underscores the spiritual danger of idol worship and the need for pure, heartfelt worship of the Creator alone. By rejecting idol worship, individuals are called to direct their devotion solely towards the transcendent and invisible God.
3.You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God
“You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless
who misuses his name. ( Exodus 20:7 )
This commandment enjoins reverence for the sacred name of God, prohibiting its frivolous or irreverent use. It underscores the sanctity of divine identity and calls for reverence in speech and thought. By honouring God’s name, believers acknowledge His sovereignty and uphold His dignity in all aspects of life.
4.Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy
8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. ( Exodus 20: 8-11 )
The Sabbath commandment mandates a day of rest and worship, commemorating God’s creation and liberation. It provides a sacred rhythm to life, allowing for spiritual renewal and communal worship. By honouring the Sabbath, believers acknowledge God’s sovereignty over time and prioritize spiritual nourishment amidst the demands of daily living.
5.Honor your father and mother
12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
( Exodus 20:12 )
This commandment underscores the importance of familial respect and obedience. It acknowledges the role of parents as stewards of God’s authority and wisdom in nurturing the next generation. By honouring parents, individuals cultivate virtues of gratitude, humility, and familial solidarity, contributing to the flourishing of society.
6.You shall not murder
“You shall not murder. ( Exodus 20:13 )
The prohibition against murder affirms the sanctity of human life as a divine gift. It condemns violence and aggression, promoting a culture of peace, justice, and compassion. By upholding the value of every human being, believers affirm their shared humanity and reflect the image of God as beings endowed with inherent dignity.
7.You shall not commit adultery
“You shall not commit adultery. ( Exodus 20:14 )
This commandment upholds the sanctity of marriage and fidelity in intimate relationships. It condemns adultery as a betrayal of trust and a violation of the marital covenant. By honoring marital fidelity, individuals cultivate mutual respect, trust, and commitment, fostering healthy families and communities.
8.You shall not steal
“You shall not steal. ( Exodus 20:15 )
The prohibition against theft affirms the principle of property rights and economic justice. It condemns dishonesty and exploitation, promoting integrity and fairness in interpersonal relationships. By respecting the possessions of others, individuals contribute to a society characterized by trust, cooperation, and mutual flourishing.
9.You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour
“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour. ( Exodus 20:16 )
This commandment condemns falsehood and deceit in speech and testimony. It upholds the value of truthfulness and integrity, essential for justice and communal trust. By speaking truthfully and refraining from slander, believers promote harmony, reconciliation, and the pursuit of justice.
10. You shall not covet
16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour. ( Exodus 20:17 )
The prohibition against covetousness addresses the root of sinful desires and discontentment. It warns against the dangers of envy and greed, which lead to resentment and injustice. By cultivating contentment and gratitude, individuals find fulfilment in God’s provision and learn to celebrate the blessings of others.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS :JESUS' TEACHING
Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity, provided profound insights into the moral and spiritual teachings of the Old Testament, including the Ten Commandments. Through His ministry, Jesus emphasized the importance of love—love for God and love for one’s neighbour—as the essence of fulfilling the commandments. Jesus’ teaching encapsulates the essence of the Ten Commandments by emphasizing love as the guiding principle. Jesus concludes: “
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” ( Matthew 22: 40 )
1. The Great Commandment to Love God
Jesus affirms the primary duty of humanity toward God: “
Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.” ( Matthew 22: 37-38)
2. The Great Commandment to Love Neighbor
Jesus extends the scope of love to encompass relationships with others:
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.'” ( Matthew 22:39 )
The First Four Commandments: Love Toward God:
The first four commandments focus on love and reverence toward God:
“You shall have no other gods before me” ( Exodus 20:3 ).
“You shall not make for yourself an idol” ( Exodus 20:4 ).
“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God” ( Exodus 20:7 ).
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” ( Exodus 20:8 ).
The Last Six Commandments: Love Toward Others:
The remaining six commandments emphasize love and respect for fellow human beings:
“Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12).
“You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
“You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
“You shall not steal” ( Exodus 20:15 ).
“You shall not give false testimony” (Exodus 20:16).
“You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17).
The Ten Commandments:Purpose
The Israelites’ enslavement in Egypt under Pharaoh’s oppressive rule serves as a testament to their suffering and bondage. Exodus 1:8-14 recounts how the Pharaoh “made their lives bitter with harsh labour” and “worked them ruthlessly,” subjecting them to cruel oppression. God hears the cries of His people and raises up Moses as their deliverer. Through a series of miraculous events, including the Ten Plagues and the parting of the Red Sea, God liberates the Israelites from bondage, ( Exodus 14-15 )
The Ten Commandments were given to the Israelites as a means of liberation from bondage, discipline for righteous living, and a pathway to blessing.
a. Discipline and Order:
The commandments provide a framework for moral and ethical living, establishing guidelines for personal conduct and societal order. By obeying these laws, the Israelites would live in harmony with God and one another, avoiding the chaos and oppression they experienced in Egypt.
b. Covenant Relationship:
The commandments form the basis of the covenant relationship between God and His people.
“Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.”
( Exodus 19: 5-6 )
c. Cultivation of Blessing:
By obeying God’s commandments, the Israelites experienced His blessings and favour. Those who obeyed the commandments were blessed with, prosperity, fertility, and victory over their enemies. ( Deuteronomy 28: 1-14 )
d. To Lead a Joyful and Prosperous Life
The fear of the Lord brings blessings, joy, and longevity, indicating that following God’s commandments leads to a joyful and prosperous life.
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. ( Proverbs 29:18 )
And, by obeying God’s commandments, individuals can experience the joy, peace, and prosperity that come from living in alignment with His divine guidance
e. God’s Faithfulness Amidst Israel’s Challenges
Throughout their history, the Israelites struggled to uphold the covenant and obey the commandments. Despite periods of disobedience and exile, God remained faithful to His promises, as evidenced by His restoration of the people to the land and the rebuilding of the temple.
10 This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed
for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfil my good promise to bring
you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,”
declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans
to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come
and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find
me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,”
declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will
gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished
you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from
which I carried you into exile.”
( Jeremiah 29: 10-14 )
f. To be conscious of our sins.
The law makes us aware of our sinfulness, showing us where we fall short of God’s standards.
“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.” ( Romans 3:20 )
The purpose of the law is not to promote sin but to reveal it, helping us understand what behaviours are contrary to God’s will.
g. Divine Guidance:
Distinguishing Right from Wrong. God’s law reflects our lives, revealing the distinction between right and wrong. Just as a mirror shows the imperfections on our face, God’s law exposes our sinful nature and guides us toward righteousness.
Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. ( James 1: 23-25 )
The importance of obeying God’s decrees for our prosperity and preservation
“The Lord commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear the Lord our God, so that we might always prosper and be kept alive, as is the case today.” ( Deuteronomy 6:24 )
The significance of adhering to God’s statutes, which provide safety and reject deceit. Thus, God’s law serves as a mirror for self-reflection, guiding us to walk in righteousness and providing hope for a blessed life.
h. Shielding Against Sin’s Dangers
The law of God serves as a protective shield, rescuing us from the calamitous consequences of evil deeds. Through God’s law, His servants are warned, and in obedience, they find great reward
“Moreover, by them, your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.” ( Psalms 19:11 )
We should guard our hearts diligently, as our actions stem from it.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” ( Proverbs 4:23 )
The law reveals the nature of sin, making us aware of its dangers and guiding us toward righteousness.
“What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.'” ( Romans 7:7 )
Thus, by adhering to God’s law, we are safeguarded from the harmful effects of sinful actions and led to a life of peace and prosperity.
Ten Commandments: Guiding Principles for Life and Faith
- Prioritize our spiritual values above material possessions or worldly pursuits.
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
( Matthew 6:33 )
- Guard against the worship of materialism, fame, or technology, which can distract from true spiritual fulfilment.
“Dear children, keep yourselves from idols.” ( 1 John 5:21 )
29 “Therefore since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. ( Acts17:29 )
- Speak respectfully and reverently about matters of faith and spirituality.
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
( James 3: 9-10 )6 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. ( 1 Timothy 6:1 )
- Set aside time for rest, reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation in a fast-paced world.
“Then he said to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.'”
( Mark 2:27 )
( Hebrew 4: 4-10 )
- Respect and care for parents and elders, recognizing their wisdom and contributions
“Honor your father and mother – which is the first commandment with a promise – so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” ( Ephesians 6: 2-3 )
honor your father and mother, and ‘love your neighbor as yourself ( Matthew 19:19 )
- Value and protect human life, promoting peace and reconciliation in all relationships.
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
( Matthew 5: 21-22 )The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself ( Roman 13:9 )
- Cherish and honour the sanctity of marriage and committed relationships.
“Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” ( Hebrews 13:4 )
- Practice honesty and integrity in all transactions, respecting the property and rights of others.
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour: ( Ephesians 4:28 )
- Speak truthfully and with integrity, avoiding deception and slander.
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” You shall not covet: ( Proverbs 12:22 )
18 “Which ones?” he inquired. Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, ( Matthew 19:18 )
- Cultivate contentment and gratitude, appreciating the blessings in your own life rather than longing for what others possess.
“I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” ( Philippians 4: 11-12 )
The Ten CommandmentsViolation: Sinful Disobedience
Disobeying God’s commandments constitutes sin. God’s righteous laws are eternal, indicating that they remain valid throughout all time. John’s Gospel equates sin with lawlessness, highlighting the connection between sin and breaking God’s law.
“Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.” ( John 3:4 )
Jesus Himself emphasizes the permanence of the law, stating that not even the smallest part of it will disappear until all things are fulfilled.
“For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” ( Matthew 5:18 )
Psalms emphasizes the perfection and reliability of God’s law, which reveals and defines sin.
The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.” ( Psalms 19:7 )
Additionally, Ecclesiastes emphasizes the eternal relevance and authority of God’s commandments, indicating that they bring every deed into judgment.
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.”
( Ecclesiastes 12:13 )
Furthermore, Paul in Romans asserts that faith does not abolish the law but rather upholds it. Thus, according to these passages, God’s law is eternal and immutable, remaining valid for all people of all ages.
“Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” ( Romans 3:31 )
Thus, according to these biblical passages, any deviation from God’s commandments is considered sinful, as His law is perfect and enduring.
Living under The Ten Commandments Law:God’s Grace
Hence, believers are encouraged to conduct themselves as those who will be judged by the law of freedom. This law serves as a guide, offering freedom from sin’s bondage. The significance of mercy highlights that judgment without mercy awaits those who fail to show it. Thus, the purpose of God’s law is to steer believers toward lives marked by mercy, reflecting God’s character and experiencing the freedom found in His grace.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. ( James 2: 12-13 )