And God spake all these words, saying,
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Exodus 20, a pivotal chapter, unveils the very core of God's covenant with Israel: the Ten Commandments. More than just a list of rules, these commandments reflect God's own righteousness and establish the minimum standard of righteousness He desires for His people (Exodus 20:1-2). However, Jesus expands our understanding, revealing that sin extends beyond outward actions to the attitudes of our hearts (Matthew 5:21-30).
The Multifaceted Purpose of the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments serve multiple purposes in our lives:
Restraining Evil: As fallen beings, we need boundaries. The commandments provide these, preventing societal chaos and offering protection from ourselves and others. They set limits on our natural inclination to pursue selfish desires.
Revealing Sin: Obedience to the Ten Commandments is not a pathway to salvation. Instead, like a mirror exposing flaws, the law reveals our sinfulness (Romans 7:7-13). It highlights our inability to perfectly meet God's standards, pointing us to our need for a Savior (Galatians 3:19-24).
Motivating Obedience: Under the New Covenant, our motivation for obedience shifts. We don't obey to earn salvation, but because we want to please the One who has already delivered us from judgment through Christ's sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:15).
Exodus 20:2 - God's Initiative
God prefaces the Ten Commandments by declaring, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery" (Exodus 20:2). This reminds Israel—and us—that our relationship with God is rooted in His prior action on our behalf. He initiates the covenant, delivering us from bondage before calling us to obedience.
Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods
The first commandment is clear: "Do not have other gods besides me." This isn't simply about avoiding idols; it's about exclusive devotion. God is not to be our chief God, but our only God. He demands our complete allegiance.
Like an exclusivity clause in a contract, God requires an exclusive relationship with us. Anything we prioritize above Him – be it a person, a possession, or an ambition – becomes an idol. Failing this first commandment undermines our ability to follow the rest.
This commandment implicitly promises that we can have Him. False gods are powerless, but the Lord is self-sufficient, all-powerful, all-knowing, and abundant in grace and mercy. Why settle for anything less?
Exodus 20:4-6 - No Idols
While the first commandment prohibits worshipping other gods, this one warns against worshipping the true God in a distorted manner. "Do not make an idol for yourself" (Exodus 20:4). An idol is any attempt to create a visible representation of the invisible God, which inevitably misrepresents Him. No matter how beautiful, it is no substitute for the real thing.
Idolatry extends beyond physical objects. Paul identifies "mortal man" as an idol (Romans 1:23), warning against elevating any person to the primary source of our blessings and contentment. He also equates sinful desires like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed with "idolatry" (Colossians 3:5), as these desires can become the ruling forces in our lives.
Jesus Christ is the only legitimate representation of God. He is "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). As Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me… The one who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:6, 9).
Exodus 20:7 - Do Not Misuse God's Name
"Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God." In biblical times, a name reflected a person's character and reputation. God is concerned about the glory of His name and demands that it be treated with reverence.
Avoid flippant phrases like "Thank God" or "I swear to God" if they are not uttered with genuine sincerity. These diminish God's significance. Falsely claiming divine authority – "God told me to do this" – is a grave offense, akin to forgery.
We honor God's name by exalting it through praise and declaring His character and works to the world (Psalm 34:3, 29:2). Live all of life "in the name of the LORD" (1 Samuel 17:45), seeking to honor Him in everything.
We also honor God by honoring Jesus, to whom God has given "the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). Confess Jesus as Lord and submit to Him.
Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8). The Sabbath is rooted in God's creation pattern. After creating the world in six days, He rested on the seventh (Exodus 20:11). God's rest wasn't due to fatigue, but to enjoy His creation (Genesis 1:31). Similarly, we are called to rest and appreciate the fruit of our labor. The Sabbath helps us avoid becoming so busy that we forget God's work in our lives.
The Sabbath also reminds us of God's sovereignty. "The seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD" (Exodus 20:10). He is in charge, and we live under His rule.
While the early Christians gathered for worship on Sunday, the first day of the week, to celebrate Jesus' resurrection, the principle of Sabbath rest remains. We "enter" that rest by faith, trusting God and living obediently (Hebrews 4:9, 3:18-4:3, 11).
Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Parents
"Honor your father and your mother." The family is the bedrock of society. Parents are responsible for raising their children to know and follow the Lord, and children are responsible for honoring their parents by willingly receiving their wisdom and instruction.
"Honor" means to respect and value. Young children obey their parents. Adult children show honor by spending time with them, praising their merits, and providing assistance (1 Timothy 5:8, 16). Even those whose parents have been neglectful are called to honor them spiritually by praying for them and forgiving them (Ephesians 4:32).
This commandment comes with a promise: "so that you may have a long life in the land" (Ephesians 6:2-3). Honoring parents brings God's special care into your life.
Exodus 20:13 - Do Not Murder
"Do not murder." This commandment prohibits the unauthorized killing of another human being, including suicide and abortion, as the Bible affirms that an unborn baby is a person (Exodus 21:22-24, Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:41-44).
Murder is forbidden because humans are uniquely created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6). An attack on a human being is an attack on the Creator.
Jesus expands this commandment, stating that unrighteous anger toward another person is murder in the heart (Matthew 5:21-22). Even cursing someone is an attack on God's image (James 3:9). We must "leave room for God's wrath" (Romans 12:19) and remember that "human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness" (James 1:20).
Exodus 20:14 - Do Not Commit Adultery
"Do not commit adultery." God created sex as a wonderful blessing to be shared by a husband and wife within the marriage covenant (Genesis 2:24). Adultery defiles that sacred bond.
Those who engage in sexual immorality outside of marriage will experience God's judgment (Romans 1:24-32, Hebrews 13:4). Sexual sin is primarily a sin against God (Genesis 39:9) and defiles the human body (1 Corinthians 6:18). As Christians, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we are called to pursue sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), becoming more like Jesus.
Jesus raises the standard, declaring that "everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). Lustful thoughts and pornography are condemned. Jesus calls us to take drastic measures to avoid sexual sin (Matthew 5:29-30).
Exodus 20:15 - Do Not Steal
"Do not steal." Stealing is taking what belongs to someone else without permission. It encompasses a variety of actions, including kidnapping, plagiarism, tax evasion, and withholding wages. Robbing God by not contributing tithes is also theft (Malachi 3:8-10).
Everything ultimately belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1), and stealing is a rejection of this truth. It's a sign of discontentment with God's provision, proclaiming that we are our own source.
Repentant thieves can find forgiveness. They are commanded to "no longer steal" but "to do honest work... so that he has something to share" (Ephesians 4:28).
Exodus 20:16 - Do Not Give False Testimony
"Do not give false testimony against your neighbor." Words have power (Proverbs 18:21). Lies and slander can damage reputations and even end lives.
This commandment confronts "bearing false testimony" against another person, intentionally hurting them through falsehood. Such actions imitate the devil, "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). Christians are to "put away lying" and "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), building others up rather than tearing them down (Ephesians 4:29).
Exodus 20:17 - Do Not Covet
"Do not covet." Coveting is a passionate longing to possess what is not yours. Advertisers often try to instill dissatisfaction, making us covetous. A covetous person is materialistic, prioritizing the physical over the spiritual and believing that life consists of possessions (Luke 12:15). This leads to perpetual dissatisfaction.
The antidote to covetousness is contentment. Contentment begins with trusting that God is good and withholds nothing good from those who live with integrity (Psalm 84:11). When we believe that God "will never leave you nor abandon you" (Hebrews 13:5), we can be satisfied with what we have.
Exodus 20:18-21 - The People's Fear
After hearing the Ten Commandments amidst thunder, lightning, and smoke, the people were terrified and stood at a distance (Exodus 20:18). They asked Moses to mediate, fearing direct communication with God (Exodus 20:19).
Moses reassured them, saying, "Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not sin" (Exodus 20:20). This "fear of God" is not terror, but a profound respect and awe that leads to obedience.
The people's distance reveals a wrong kind of fear, driving them away from God. Approaching God confronts our sins and idols, which can be frightening if we cling to them.
Exodus 20:22-26 - Proper Worship
Having heard God speak and witnessed His glory, the people were commanded not to make rival gods (Exodus 20:22-23).
The one true God deserves appropriate worship. Altars for sacrifices were to be made of earth or uncut stones (Exodus 20:24-25), natural materials untouched by human hands. The absence of steps leading to the altar was to prevent indecent exposure (Exodus 20:26). These instructions emphasized humility and reverence in approaching God.
And God spake all these words, saying,
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Thou shalt not kill.
Thou shalt not commit adultery.
Thou shalt not steal.
Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
Exodus 20, a pivotal chapter, unveils the very core of God's covenant with Israel: the Ten Commandments. More than just a list of rules, these commandments reflect God's own righteousness and establish the minimum standard of righteousness He desires for His people (Exodus 20:1-2). However, Jesus expands our understanding, revealing that sin extends beyond outward actions to the attitudes of our hearts (Matthew 5:21-30).
The Multifaceted Purpose of the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments serve multiple purposes in our lives:
Restraining Evil: As fallen beings, we need boundaries. The commandments provide these, preventing societal chaos and offering protection from ourselves and others. They set limits on our natural inclination to pursue selfish desires.
Revealing Sin: Obedience to the Ten Commandments is not a pathway to salvation. Instead, like a mirror exposing flaws, the law reveals our sinfulness (Romans 7:7-13). It highlights our inability to perfectly meet God's standards, pointing us to our need for a Savior (Galatians 3:19-24).
Motivating Obedience: Under the New Covenant, our motivation for obedience shifts. We don't obey to earn salvation, but because we want to please the One who has already delivered us from judgment through Christ's sacrifice (2 Corinthians 5:15).
Exodus 20:2 - God's Initiative
God prefaces the Ten Commandments by declaring, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery" (Exodus 20:2). This reminds Israel—and us—that our relationship with God is rooted in His prior action on our behalf. He initiates the covenant, delivering us from bondage before calling us to obedience.
Exodus 20:3 - No Other Gods
The first commandment is clear: "Do not have other gods besides me." This isn't simply about avoiding idols; it's about exclusive devotion. God is not to be our chief God, but our only God. He demands our complete allegiance.
Like an exclusivity clause in a contract, God requires an exclusive relationship with us. Anything we prioritize above Him – be it a person, a possession, or an ambition – becomes an idol. Failing this first commandment undermines our ability to follow the rest.
This commandment implicitly promises that we can have Him. False gods are powerless, but the Lord is self-sufficient, all-powerful, all-knowing, and abundant in grace and mercy. Why settle for anything less?
Exodus 20:4-6 - No Idols
While the first commandment prohibits worshipping other gods, this one warns against worshipping the true God in a distorted manner. "Do not make an idol for yourself" (Exodus 20:4). An idol is any attempt to create a visible representation of the invisible God, which inevitably misrepresents Him. No matter how beautiful, it is no substitute for the real thing.
Idolatry extends beyond physical objects. Paul identifies "mortal man" as an idol (Romans 1:23), warning against elevating any person to the primary source of our blessings and contentment. He also equates sinful desires like sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desire, and greed with "idolatry" (Colossians 3:5), as these desires can become the ruling forces in our lives.
Jesus Christ is the only legitimate representation of God. He is "the image of the invisible God" (Colossians 1:15). As Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me… The one who has seen me has seen the Father" (John 14:6, 9).
Exodus 20:7 - Do Not Misuse God's Name
"Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God." In biblical times, a name reflected a person's character and reputation. God is concerned about the glory of His name and demands that it be treated with reverence.
Avoid flippant phrases like "Thank God" or "I swear to God" if they are not uttered with genuine sincerity. These diminish God's significance. Falsely claiming divine authority – "God told me to do this" – is a grave offense, akin to forgery.
We honor God's name by exalting it through praise and declaring His character and works to the world (Psalm 34:3, 29:2). Live all of life "in the name of the LORD" (1 Samuel 17:45), seeking to honor Him in everything.
We also honor God by honoring Jesus, to whom God has given "the name that is above every name" (Philippians 2:9). Confess Jesus as Lord and submit to Him.
Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath
"Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy" (Exodus 20:8). The Sabbath is rooted in God's creation pattern. After creating the world in six days, He rested on the seventh (Exodus 20:11). God's rest wasn't due to fatigue, but to enjoy His creation (Genesis 1:31). Similarly, we are called to rest and appreciate the fruit of our labor. The Sabbath helps us avoid becoming so busy that we forget God's work in our lives.
The Sabbath also reminds us of God's sovereignty. "The seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD" (Exodus 20:10). He is in charge, and we live under His rule.
While the early Christians gathered for worship on Sunday, the first day of the week, to celebrate Jesus' resurrection, the principle of Sabbath rest remains. We "enter" that rest by faith, trusting God and living obediently (Hebrews 4:9, 3:18-4:3, 11).
Exodus 20:12 - Honor Your Parents
"Honor your father and your mother." The family is the bedrock of society. Parents are responsible for raising their children to know and follow the Lord, and children are responsible for honoring their parents by willingly receiving their wisdom and instruction.
"Honor" means to respect and value. Young children obey their parents. Adult children show honor by spending time with them, praising their merits, and providing assistance (1 Timothy 5:8, 16). Even those whose parents have been neglectful are called to honor them spiritually by praying for them and forgiving them (Ephesians 4:32).
This commandment comes with a promise: "so that you may have a long life in the land" (Ephesians 6:2-3). Honoring parents brings God's special care into your life.
Exodus 20:13 - Do Not Murder
"Do not murder." This commandment prohibits the unauthorized killing of another human being, including suicide and abortion, as the Bible affirms that an unborn baby is a person (Exodus 21:22-24, Psalm 139:13-16, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 1:41-44).
Murder is forbidden because humans are uniquely created in God's image (Genesis 1:26-27, 9:6). An attack on a human being is an attack on the Creator.
Jesus expands this commandment, stating that unrighteous anger toward another person is murder in the heart (Matthew 5:21-22). Even cursing someone is an attack on God's image (James 3:9). We must "leave room for God's wrath" (Romans 12:19) and remember that "human anger does not accomplish God's righteousness" (James 1:20).
Exodus 20:14 - Do Not Commit Adultery
"Do not commit adultery." God created sex as a wonderful blessing to be shared by a husband and wife within the marriage covenant (Genesis 2:24). Adultery defiles that sacred bond.
Those who engage in sexual immorality outside of marriage will experience God's judgment (Romans 1:24-32, Hebrews 13:4). Sexual sin is primarily a sin against God (Genesis 39:9) and defiles the human body (1 Corinthians 6:18). As Christians, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and we are called to pursue sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), becoming more like Jesus.
Jesus raises the standard, declaring that "everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:28). Lustful thoughts and pornography are condemned. Jesus calls us to take drastic measures to avoid sexual sin (Matthew 5:29-30).
Exodus 20:15 - Do Not Steal
"Do not steal." Stealing is taking what belongs to someone else without permission. It encompasses a variety of actions, including kidnapping, plagiarism, tax evasion, and withholding wages. Robbing God by not contributing tithes is also theft (Malachi 3:8-10).
Everything ultimately belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1), and stealing is a rejection of this truth. It's a sign of discontentment with God's provision, proclaiming that we are our own source.
Repentant thieves can find forgiveness. They are commanded to "no longer steal" but "to do honest work... so that he has something to share" (Ephesians 4:28).
Exodus 20:16 - Do Not Give False Testimony
"Do not give false testimony against your neighbor." Words have power (Proverbs 18:21). Lies and slander can damage reputations and even end lives.
This commandment confronts "bearing false testimony" against another person, intentionally hurting them through falsehood. Such actions imitate the devil, "a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). Christians are to "put away lying" and "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15), building others up rather than tearing them down (Ephesians 4:29).
Exodus 20:17 - Do Not Covet
"Do not covet." Coveting is a passionate longing to possess what is not yours. Advertisers often try to instill dissatisfaction, making us covetous. A covetous person is materialistic, prioritizing the physical over the spiritual and believing that life consists of possessions (Luke 12:15). This leads to perpetual dissatisfaction.
The antidote to covetousness is contentment. Contentment begins with trusting that God is good and withholds nothing good from those who live with integrity (Psalm 84:11). When we believe that God "will never leave you nor abandon you" (Hebrews 13:5), we can be satisfied with what we have.
Exodus 20:18-21 - The People's Fear
After hearing the Ten Commandments amidst thunder, lightning, and smoke, the people were terrified and stood at a distance (Exodus 20:18). They asked Moses to mediate, fearing direct communication with God (Exodus 20:19).
Moses reassured them, saying, "Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not sin" (Exodus 20:20). This "fear of God" is not terror, but a profound respect and awe that leads to obedience.
The people's distance reveals a wrong kind of fear, driving them away from God. Approaching God confronts our sins and idols, which can be frightening if we cling to them.
Exodus 20:22-26 - Proper Worship
Having heard God speak and witnessed His glory, the people were commanded not to make rival gods (Exodus 20:22-23).
The one true God deserves appropriate worship. Altars for sacrifices were to be made of earth or uncut stones (Exodus 20:24-25), natural materials untouched by human hands. The absence of steps leading to the altar was to prevent indecent exposure (Exodus 20:26). These instructions emphasized humility and reverence in approaching God.