The Ten Commandments, given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, form the foundation of biblical morality. Though believers are not under the Law for salvation, these commandments reveal God's character and His will for human flourishing.
The Context
After delivering Israel from Egypt, God brought them to Mount Sinai where He gave them His law. The Ten Commandments were written by God's own finger on tablets of stone (Exodus 31:18).
The Two Tables
The commandments divide into two sections:
- Commandments 1-4: Our relationship with God
- Commandments 5-10: Our relationships with others
Jesus summarized these as loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).
The Ten Commandments
1. No Other Gods
"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:3)
God alone is worthy of worship. Nothing should take His place in our hearts.
2. No Idols
"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image." (Exodus 20:4)
We must not create our own images of God or worship anything in creation.
3. Honor God's Name
"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain." (Exodus 20:7)
God's name represents His character and must be treated with reverence.
4. Remember the Sabbath
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." (Exodus 20:8)
God established a pattern of work and rest for our good.
5. Honor Parents
"Honour thy father and thy mother." (Exodus 20:12)
Respect for authority begins in the home.
6. Do Not Murder
"Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13)
Human life, made in God's image, is sacred.
7. Do Not Commit Adultery
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." (Exodus 20:14)
Marriage is to be protected and honored.
8. Do Not Steal
"Thou shalt not steal." (Exodus 20:15)
We must respect others' property.
9. Do Not Bear False Witness
"Thou shalt not bear false witness." (Exodus 20:16)
Honesty and truth-telling are required.
10. Do Not Covet
"Thou shalt not covet." (Exodus 20:17)
We must guard our hearts against envy and greed.
The Commandments and Christ
The Law reveals our sin and drives us to Christ. He perfectly fulfilled the Law and enables us to walk in obedience through His Spirit.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil." — Matthew 5:17