Exploring the Scripture

The Ten Commandments represent the conditions of the covenant. Often referred to as the Decalogue, they represent unconditional duties to God and the community. Few texts have played as large a role in the church or public as the Ten Commandments. They are a part of the confessions of the church and have long represented a cultural code that is foundational to guiding the human community.

However, the Ten Commandments cannot play a significant role in the lives of the faithful unless they are taken to heart. Therefore, memorizing the commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the 23rd Psalm has historically had a special place in Christian piety.

The beginning of the Ten Commandments is foundational: “you shall have no other gods before me” (v. 3). The prologue offers the identity of the One who obligates the community: it is YHWH who commands. The first commandment is an acknowledgment there are always competing claims of supreme nature, “other gods,” that seek to be the center of meaning and value in people’s lives. Such “gods” are to be rejected.

The second commandment declares, “You shall not make for yourself an idol” (v. 4). The effort to control God, to try to seduce God to do our bidding is rejected. It is God who controls when, where, and how to be accessible.

Likely no commandment has the potential of being mistreated with callous casualness as the third commandment that has to do with the misuse of the name of God (v. 7). If the first commandment has to do with having no other gods, and the second with not replacing the Lord with images, the third commandment reinforces them. It is a warning against endangering the potential relationship with God through misappropriation and misuse.

“Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy” (v. 8). The Sabbath commandment is placed at the end of the first section, or “first tablet” of the Decalogue—the commandments that focus on the proper worship and love of God. It acts as a bridge between commandments having to do with the love of God and the love of neighbor. The Sabbath is a gift!

“Honor your father and your mother” (v. 12). Honoring one’s parents directs life toward the other who is not God and is related to the Sabbath commandment.

“You shall not murder” (v. 13). There is nothing so basic as the prohibition of taking another life. A priority is given to preserving life, avoiding harm to one’s neighbor.

“You shall not commit adultery” (v. 14). Like murder, adultery is a violation of intersocial behavior. The focus of this commandment on protecting the social order is complementary to honoring one’s mother and father and prohibiting murder. Protecting life is to be seen from the perspective of the rights of one’s neighbor, including the sanctity of marriage.

“You shall not steal” (v. 15). Stealing is condemned. It is in a sense an expression of false witness, of coveting. In taking from another, one violates the neighbor and compromises the self

“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” (v. 16). Concern for one’s neighbor is made clear in words and in speaking. More than just lying, it is about the capacity of words to injure or endanger another. One must speak truthfully

“You shall not covet…” (v. 17). Coveting has to do with want and its effects. Want distorts, affecting both self and neighbor.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. The Ten Commandments have had a central place in the church’s confession and teaching from the earliest days of the tradition.
2. The Ten Commandments have influenced the way society is organized and preserved and are at the heart of Christian witness.
3. Faithful embodiment of the Ten Commandments in our lives and community fulfills God’s hope for human life.

Questions to Consider

1. How do the Ten Commandments represent the conditions of the covenant? How is this displayed in the life of the community and the church?
2. How does remembering the Sabbath day (v. 8) act as a bridge between the love of God and the love of one’s neighbor?
3. Coveting (v. 17) distorts and affects the self and the neighbor; it dismembers the community and violates the purposes of God. How might you give witness to this?
4. Which of the other commandments do you think are often disregarded in your culture? In today’s world?