The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21, are a set of biblical principles relating to ethics and worship that play a fundamental role in Judaism and Christianity. These commandments, given by God to the Israelites, have shaped moral and legal codes throughout history.
The Ten Commandments serve multiple purposes:
The Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai after the Exodus from Egypt, around 1444 BC. They formed the foundation of the Old Covenant between God and Israel. In Christian theology, while Christ's coming fulfilled the law (Matthew 5:17), the moral principles embodied in the Ten Commandments remain relevant. Many Christians view them as eternal moral laws, distinct from the ceremonial and civil laws that were specific to ancient Israel.
This commandment establishes the monotheistic nature of biblical faith. It prohibits the worship of any deity other than the one true God. This includes not only literal idols but also anything that takes precedence over God in one's life, such as money, power, or personal ambitions.
This commandment forbids the creation and worship of idols or physical representations of God. It emphasizes God's spiritual nature and the importance of worshipping Him in spirit and truth, rather than through material objects.
This commandment goes beyond prohibiting profanity. It requires treating God's name, which represents His character and authority, with reverence. This includes avoiding false oaths, trivializing God's name, or claiming to speak for God falsely.
This commandment establishes a rhythm of work and rest, setting aside a day for worship and reflection. It acknowledges God as Creator and provider, and reminds humans that their worth is not solely in their productivity.
This commandment establishes the importance of family structure and respect for authority. It extends beyond childhood, calling for ongoing respect and care for parents throughout life.
While often translated as "kill," the Hebrew word used here specifically refers to murder. This commandment protects the sanctity of human life, recognizing that all humans are made in God's image.
This commandment protects the sanctity of marriage and, by extension, the family unit. It promotes fidelity, trust, and the stable family structures that form the basis of society.
This commandment protects private property and promotes honesty in all dealings. It extends beyond mere theft to include all forms of dishonest gain, including fraud and exploitation.
This commandment prohibits lying, especially in a legal context. It promotes truthfulness in all communications and protects the reputations and rights of others.
This commandment addresses the internal attitudes that often lead to outward sins. It promotes contentment and gratitude while discouraging envy and greed.
We note several small differences between the Exodus account and that of Dueteronomy. These differences are generally attributed to the different contexts of the two books. Exodus records the initial giving of the law, while Deuteronomy represents Moses' retelling of the law to a new generation, emphasizing aspects relevant to their imminent entry into the Promised Land.
This commandment shows the most significant differences:
Exodus bases the Sabbath on God's creation, while Deuteronomy connects it to the Exodus.
Deuteronomy adds more detail:
The order of items is slightly different:
Deuteronomy mentions the wife first and adds "field" to the list.
There are some minor variations in wording throughout, such as the use of "Remember the sabbath day" in Exodus vs. "Keep the sabbath day" in Deuteronomy.
The Ten Commandments continue to be a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian ethics. While their application and interpretation may vary among different faith traditions, their fundamental principles of devotion to God and ethical treatment of others remain widely influential in moral, legal, and social spheres.
Written by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com) and found at ultrafree.org. KJV in use. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.