The Ten Commandments are foundational to Judeo-Christian ethics. These ten commands have profoundly shaped Western moral and legal systems for millennia. Have you ever wondered about the specific wording of each command and historical context of each commandment? Are you curious to explore their evolving interpretations across different faiths and periods? I would love to teach or preach a series of lessons that examine the enduring relevance of these ancient directives in contemporary society, considering their application to modern ethical dilemmas. Why? Because these pronouncements address core human concerns, from the relationship with God to interpersonal conduct with brethren and the world.
As we get to know our Bible, there is much that we need to learn. My opinion is that one important thing to study is law of God, specifically from an Old Testament perspective and then examine the New Testament in light of the old law. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) were laws given by God as guidelines for daily living. Although God gave the commandments to His people through Moses at Mount Sinai more than three thousand years ago, they are still relevant today. These laws are also known as the Decalogue, from the Greek word meaning “ten words.” All of the commandments were strict guidelines for those living under the Old Law. The Ten Commandments are as follows:
1. “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3).
Since God is one (Deuteronomy 6:4) and unique (Deuteronomy 4:38-39), belief in and worship of other so-called gods is out of the question. Since God’s character forms the basis of the covenant with His people, He demands absolute loyalty. And when a person’s intent of the heart is to put God first, his outward actions will reveal it. Then others will see what God’s character is like through the actions of His people.
It's important to recognize that the New Testament doesn't always provide a direct, verbatim repetition of each of the Ten Commandments. Instead, it reaffirms their underlying principles through Jesus's teachings and the writings of the apostles. This specific command is echoes in Matthew 4:10 when Jesus quotes Deuteronomy, saying, "Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only." Paul agrees with this command because in I Corinthians 8:6 and I Timothy 2:5 emphasize the singularity of God. The Lord our God is ONE God.
2. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image” (Exodus 20:4).
The second commandment is necessary because people do not always keep the first. The Israelites made a golden calf to worship even as the Lord gave the laws to Moses. Since Israel had so many contacts with people who did worship images, including replicas of their earthly rulers, God gave them this law. God has never been visible (Deuteronomy 4:12); He is Spirit (John 4:24). Idolatry, therefore, always misrepresents God.
John, the beloved disciple of Jesus said in I John 5:21: "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols." Clearly it was a concern for the disciples in the first century. In fact, Acts 15:20 reveals that early Christians were instructed to abstain from idolatry. Paul highlights this message in many of his writings and it his famous sermon at the Areopagus in Athens (Acts 17:16-34). He boldly warned the Corinthians to flee from idolatry (I Corinthians 10:14).
3. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7).
God’s name and His character are inseparable. Using His holy name lightly in a vain, empty manner is insulting and degrading. This action could be done by perjuring oneself in a court of law (Leviticus 19:12) or by cursing. Many use the name of the Lord in vain when they are angry and begin to blame Him for all their faults. However, this commandment also applies to hypocritical worship, when one uses God’s name in meaningless prayer and praise (Isaiah 29:13).
From a New Testament perspective this is addressed as early as the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:33-37, Jesus teaches against careless oaths and emphasizes the importance of truthful speech. In Matthew 6:9, He emphasized the need to revere the name of God as Holy. Jesus also warned that the words we use in this life will be used against us on the Judgment Day (Matthew 12:36-37). James reminds the church that the tongue must be bridled (James 1:26).
4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8).
The Sabbath is mentioned in the book of Genesis, where God declares the Sabbath holy. The purpose seems to be two-fold: a weekly day of rest and a reminder of the covenant between man and God. The word Sabbath means “rest,” but God intended for this day to stand for more than an absence of work. It was to be a day of worship. It was also a day for setting aside all thoughts of materialistic gain and thinking about Him. God Himself set the pattern by ceasing from His labors after creating the world for six days (Genesis 2:2-3). The Bible talks about the Sabbath frequently and warned about its neglect or abuse (Exodus 20:8-10, Leviticus 23:3, Deuteronomy 5:15, Jeremiah 17:20-27).
The New Testament addresses the Sabbath in complex ways. Jesus often discussed the true meaning of the Sabbath, emphasizing its purpose of serving human needs (Mark 2:27). The Sabbath is a gift from God. There is no specific command or example of the New Testament Christians observing the Sabbath day. Only the observance of the Jews are mentioned. Paul teaches that Sabbath-keeping is a matter of spiritual freedom, not a command from God (Colossians 2:16-17).
Some might argue each person should be fully convinced in their own mind about whether to keep the Sabbath (Romans 14:5). However, the book of Hebrews reminds us that the Sabbath day practice of the Old Testament are equated with sacrifices and offerings. All have been fulfilled. Hebrews 4:9-11 speaks of a spiritual rest that is found in Christ.
5. “Honor your father and your mother” (Exodus 20:12).
God established parents as the authority figures in the family unit. Children often get their first impressions about God from their parents. Parents who walk in the Spirit, honestly desiring to follow the guidelines of the Scriptures, will set better examples for their children. Children who want to please God will respect their parents, regardless of the pressures from the world and from their peers. Proverbs 30:17 says, "The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be plucked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures."
In the context of the New Testament, Jesus said, "Honor your father and mother and love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 19:17,19). In Ephesians 6:1-3, it's stated that honoring your parents will result in "things going well for you" and a long life. Paul reminds his readers that this commandment comes with a promise of blessings, including a long life and success. The promise is central to living out God's covenant. It's important to honor your parents throughout your life, including as an adult. Acceptance, obedience and appreciation is paramount to the faith.
6. “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13).
A person who cares about others, beginning with those in the home, does not want to harm them. This law reveals God’s attitude toward people created in His image. No one has the right to take that life from another individual (Genesis 9:6). This is echoed throughout the Bible (Leviticus 24:17, Deuteronomy 5:17).
The New Testament warns about the punishment reserved for those who murder. Passages like Revelation 21:8, Romans 12:19, and I John 3:12 remind us of the consequences of this sin. Jesus addresses this in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:21-22). Jesus expands on this command, addressing the root of murder: anger and hatred. It should go without saying that as a matter of morality and integrity most humans can agree that this sin is one that can disrupt the fabric of society. In Romans 13:9 and I Peter 4:15 Peter and Paul also uphold the commandment
7. “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
This commandment refers to being sexually involved with a married person, although, it is used by extension to prohibit all sexual relationships outside of marriage. Adultery hurts others when one seeks to enjoy themselves at the expense of other people (Leviticus 20:10, Proverbs 6:24, 32). A right attitude toward keeping God first and not harming others is tied in with several other commandments. A person who does not steal will not take another’s mate, and he does not allow covetous thoughts to grow in his mind. He wants God to have his total and undivided devotion.
Adultery is not just a sin of the flesh, but a sin that begins in the mind, soul and heart. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that looking at a woman lustfully is already committing adultery in the heart (Matthew 5:27-30). Jesus dives further into this subject in Matthew 19 when He identifies sexual sin as the only grounds for (scriptural) divorce and remarriage. The old law required all adulterers to be put to death, but the New Testament offers mercy to the adulterer who repents (Galatians 5:19, Hebrews 10:26, 13:4, Revelation 21:8). I Corinthians 6:9-10 condemns those who commit adultery.
8. “You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15).
Stealing involves taking something that does not belong to you. This could be another person’s property, material possessions, marriage partner, or even his reputation. This law also emphasizes the importance of getting all you own lawfully, not in a deceptive or deviant manner. There are several passages in the Old Testament (Exodus 22:1-4, Leviticus 19:11, Micah 6:11-12) and proverbs that discuss this sin at length (Proverbs 6:30-31, 11:1, 20:17, 20:23, 28:24). The consequences of stealing can effect the entire community.
Matthew 15:19 says that evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, and slander come from the heart. Therefore, this is a heart issue that must be addressed by each believer. In Ephesians 4:28 Paul says, "Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." This parallels his previous teaching that "Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God" (I Corinthians 6:10).
9. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16).
A good relationship demands truthfulness and honesty in speaking about others. The old saying, “A man’s word is as good as his name,” is sometimes a joke today. God’s people ought to cherish their own reputations and the reputations of others. If people are unwilling to speak ill of someone, they are less likely to steal from that person, to commit murder, etc. There are several proverbs that address this sin (Proverbs 6:16-19, 12:17, 14:5, 19:5, 19:9, 21:28, 25:18).
In Matthew 19:18 Jesus lists this commandment. What exactly does it mean? The concept of "bearing false witness" can include lying in court or withholding the truth. For a disciple that seeks to "love his/her neighbor" one cannot practice this sin. Paul teaches that we must put away all forms of lying (Ephesians 4:25). Revelation 21:8 offers a stern warning against those who tell lies.
It is frustrating to the reader of the New Testament to see the amount of times that the Jewish leaders lied about Jesus. They took blasphemy to a new low and accused their power. The fact that Jesus did not receive a fair trial is one of the greatest injustices in world history.
10. “You shall not covet” (Exodus 20:17).
The Bible says that coveting is a sin that involves desiring another person's things or possessions. Deuteronomy 5:21 echoes the commandment in Exodus, stating again not to covet a neighbor's things. Coveting is an evil desire that can lead to idolatry. It's evidence of a heart divided between two gods. Covetousness reveals a loss of contentment and satisfaction in God. It can create resentment, jealousy, and cause profound damage to one's mental health and relationships with God
Jesus improved on this commandment by stating, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). The negative and the positive work together. You do not harm people you care about; and since you should care for everyone, you should not ever harm anyone. If you love yourself, then you will appreciate others for their individuality. In Luke 12:15, 23, Jesus warns against covetousness, saying "take heed, and beware of covetousness." In Romans 7:7, 13:9, and Colossians 3:5 Paul addresses the sin of coveting, linking it to idolatry.
This tenth commandment is an outgrowth of the first. If our hearts are fixed on the Lord, we will have the right attitude toward others. The desires that rise from our hearts will not cause pain or loss to others. The right motive, which is pleasing God who is first in our lives, will result in obeying the other commandments, which means not hurting others. Jesus expanded on the idea prevalent in the Ten Commandments by emphasizing the attitude of the heart. He said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Christians have joy on earth when their priorities are in order.
The Ten Commandments can be divided into two different sections. The first four commandments govern our relationship to God, while the other commandments, five through ten, speak of our relationship to other people. The meaning of the Ten Commandments may be stated briefly as follows: (1) trust God only, (2) worship God only, (3) use God’s name in ways that honor Him, (4) rest on the Sabbath day and think about God, (5) respect and obey your parents, (6) protect and respect human life, (7) be true to your husband or wife, (8) do not take what belongs to others, (9) do not lie about others, and (10) be satisfied with what you have.
It's crucial to understand that the New Testament emphasizes the spirit of the law, focusing on inward transformation and love, which fulfills the deeper intent of the Ten Commandments. About 1,300 years after God gave these commandments, Jesus upheld them and fulfilled them. He actually placed these laws on a higher plane, demanding that the spirit, as well as the legal aspects, of the laws be observed. He placed His stamp of approval on the commandments by declaring, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). This scripture shows why He is our great and perfect example (I Peter 2:21-25).
I don’t know about you but I am grateful to God that we live under the New Testament! However, there is so much to be learned from the Old Testament. We learn the necessity of covenant and the blessings of following God. We also learn the dangers of being disobedient. What will you learn from the Bible? Read it today!
You are loved.
Ray Reynolds, PhD
Comments