Israel had escaped Egyptian bondage (Exodus 12:29-51) by the powerful hand of the Lord and He had brought them into the wilderness (Exodus 14-18); however, they faced many obstacles which exposed their lack of faith in God. While the Israelites were encamped at Mount Sinai, Moses prepared the people for an encounter with God (Exodus 19), who had promised that Israel would become a holy nation and a special treasure to Him (Exodus 19:5-6). In Exodus 20 one of the biggest events in history takes place – the giving of the Law. The Law was not given so that Israel could inherit righteousness through obeying it, but rather expose their sinfulness before a holy God (see Romans 3:20). Righteousness has always come by faith in God (Ephesians 2:8-9). Although the Law exposed a person’s sin, God gave the Law in order to teach the nation of Israel how to love God and love others. The Law was made up of three parts: the Ten Commandments/Decalogue (20:1-21), civil/religious ordinances (20:22-24:11), and ceremonial regulations (24:12-31:18).
The first part of the Law, the Ten Commandments, are direct commands given by God to the people. Keeping these commands would result in true worship of God and meaningful relationships with others. God gave the following commands to the Israelites:
First Commandment: No other gods before God (Exodus 20:3)- Israel was to worship the one, true God and reject any other foreign gods.
Second Commandment: No idols (Exodus 20:4-6)- Israel was not to worship idols. False worship or idol worship would result in generations to follow suffering for the sins of their fathers.
Third Commandment: Do not take God’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7) – The name of God was to be honored and respected; therefore, His name must never be used in a way that would bring His character or deeds into question.
Fourth Commandment: Keep the Sabbath day holy (Exodus 20:8-11) – The seventh day of the week would be reserved for rest and worship. This is the only commandment not repeated in the New Testament (see Colossians 2:16-17).
Fifth Commandment: Honor mother and father (Exodus 20:12) – Children were to honor and obey their parents. Rebellious disobedience would not be tolerated in Israel and would be punished severely (see Deuteronomy 21:18-21).
Sixth Commandment: Do not murder (Exodus 20:13) – Taking the life of another was not acceptable.
Seventh Commandment: Do not commit adultery (Exodus 20:14) – This command protected a marriage relationship and helped it remain committed.
Eighth Commandment: Do not steal (Exodus 20:15) – Protecting personal property is important to any society and promotes respect for the things of others.
Ninth Commandment: Do not lie (Exodus 20:16) – Keeping this commandment protects the well-being of individuals as well as a nation. Lying causes unnecessary hurt and confusion.
Tenth Commandment: Do not covet (Exodus 20:17) – Longing to have what is not yours is a sin. A person must be content.
After hearing these commandments, “…the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. Then they said to Moses, ‘You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die’” (20:18-19). Moses told the people not to fear because God was only testing them and wanted their reverence of Him to turn into obedience (20:20-21). God’s commandments were not given to restrict His people, but to provide them a life filled with blessing and satisfaction.
Dear God, help me to love and obey Your commandments.
