The Ten Commandments

The first commandment establishes monotheism as the foundation of true religion—there is one God, and He alone deserves worship. This prohibits not only the worship of false deities but also any rival that occupies the place belonging to God alone: money, pleasure, self, career, or any created thing. The commandment flows from God's self-revelation: 'I am the LORD thy God'—the covenant name declaring His eternal, self-existent nature. Israel's God had demonstrated His supremacy by delivering them from Egypt; all other gods are nothing.

The second commandment prohibits idolatry—making or worshiping any representation of God or false deity. While the first commandment addresses whom we worship, the second addresses how we worship. God cannot be reduced to any created form; all images inevitably diminish and distort His infinite being. This commandment protects both God's honor and humanity's good, for idolatry degrades the worshiper. God describes Himself as 'jealous'—not with petty envy but with the righteous zeal of a husband protecting the marriage covenant.

The third commandment protects God's name—His revealed character and reputation—from misuse and dishonor. This prohibits profanity and blasphemy but extends further: using God's name in false oaths, empty religious formulas, or hypocritical worship. To invoke God's name while living contrary to His character takes His name in vain. The commandment calls for reverence in all references to God, integrity in oaths sworn by His name, and consistency between profession and practice.

The fourth commandment establishes a sacred rhythm of work and rest, setting apart one day in seven for holy purposes. The Sabbath commemorates creation—God rested on the seventh day—and in Deuteronomy, redemption from Egypt. This commandment benefits humanity: providing physical rest, spiritual renewal, and time for worship. The principle of Sabbath rest points ultimately to the eternal rest that remains for God's people, the ceasing from works-righteousness and resting in Christ's finished work.

The fifth commandment transitions from duties to God to duties toward others, beginning with the family—the foundational institution of human society. Honoring parents involves respect, obedience (for children), care (for aged parents), and gratitude. This commandment carries a promise: long life in the land. Honoring parents teaches submission to authority generally and ultimately to God Himself. The family structure reflects divine order; rebellion against parental authority often precedes rebellion against all authority.

The sixth commandment protects human life, created in God's image. The Hebrew word specifically denotes unlawful killing—murder—rather than all taking of life. This prohibition encompasses not only the act of murder but its roots: hatred, anger, and contempt. Jesus taught that calling a brother 'fool' violates this commandment's spirit. Positively, the commandment requires preserving and protecting life, including our own bodies and the lives of others.

The seventh commandment protects the marriage covenant and sexual purity. Adultery violates the sacred bond between husband and wife, breaking faith and destroying trust. Jesus extended this commandment to include lustful thoughts: whoever looks upon another with desire has already committed adultery in the heart. This commandment safeguards the family, protects children, and honors the divine design for human sexuality within the covenant of marriage.

The eighth commandment protects property rights—the fruit of one's labor belongs to the laborer. Stealing encompasses not only outright theft but fraud, deception, failure to pay just wages, and unjust business practices. Positively, this commandment requires honest work, fair dealing, contentment with one's possessions, and generosity toward those in need. The thief must steal no more but labor honestly to have something to give to others.

The ninth commandment protects truth and reputation. Originally addressing testimony in legal proceedings, it extends to all communication: lying, slander, gossip, and deception of any kind. False witness destroys reputations, perverts justice, and undermines social trust. Positively, this commandment requires truthfulness in all speech, defending others' good names, and speaking the truth in love. Satan is the father of lies; God's people must be children of truth.

The tenth commandment addresses the heart—the internal desires from which all external sins flow. Covetousness is discontentment with God's provision and desire for what belongs to another. This commandment reveals that sin originates within, not merely in outward actions. No one can perfectly keep even the external commandments while harboring covetous hearts. Paul testified that this commandment convicted him of sin, showing him the depth of his depravity and his need for grace.