The Ten Commandments

Footnotes

[1] 20:3 Or besides
[2] 20:6 Or to the thousandth generation
[3] 20:13 The Hebrew word also covers causing human death through carelessness or negligence
[4] 20:18 Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate; Masoretic Text the people saw

Hugh Stephenson

GM Mark! Love this, “…the focus of Christianity is what God gives us.” God answers the question- “Is the juice worth the squeeze?” Or- “Looking at all these laws and what will happen if I break them…are the blessings and promises worth the rules and restrictions?” What I learn in earlier chapters and is written in large type in Exodus 20 is that the juice is most certainly worth the squeeze. Why? If I’m saved, I have eternal life. What the “juice” gives me is the abundant life The provision, protection, and promises lead to blessings that dwarf anything the world has for me. The commandments are the path to them- developing a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus so that I can clearly see what He has done for me and that I am His “treasured possession”. Borrowing heavily from the notes-

Hugh Stephenson

Who is God and what is He like? He is “jealous”; i.e., He has “zeal for His creatures well-being.” His name is who He is and is connected to Hs “person, presence, and power.” He is the relational covenant keeping God. He is holy and loving. He cares for the stranger and the sojourner. He is patient, merciful, and gracious. He communicates with me in terms I can understand, (The covenants roughly mirror those that existed at that time elsewhere). Who am I and how does He call me to live? I am a consecrated person, (set apart to be holy). “…the Law Moses was given to a redeemed people not to redeem a people.” “…the covenant stipulations…define the life that the Lord calls His people to live before Him and with each other.” In the NT the assumption is that the moral life is still shaped by these laws.

Hugh Stephenson

Called to covenantal faithfulness. Obedience- it’s how I can “appropriate and enjoy” what He’s done for me in deliverance and in taking me for His possession. My life is to reflect that every element of my life is sustained by Him. His righteousness and justice should be evident in my life. Rejoice in His provision for me without envying another’s. Be holy, love the Lord with all heart soul and might and neighbors with good will and generosity. In kindness and gentleness speak His truth Purpose of moral part of Mosaic law – Calvin – conviction of sin, restrain by fear of punishment, convey God will for them. Baxter – standard of righteousness, expose and identify sin, reveal Divine holiness Paul refers to our code of laws as the Law of Christ, (Galatians 6:2, 1 Corinthians 9:21, James 1:25, 2 Corinthians 3:6, Hebrews 8:8, 13, 12:24) HTTPS://WWW.GOTQUESTIONS.ORG/LAW-OF-CHRIST.HTML HTTPS://WWW.GOTQUESTIONS.ORG/LEARN-FROM-MOSAIC-LAW.HTML

Michael Sisson

INTRODUCTION: The giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai is THE seminal event of early Jewish history. Consequently, it is helpful to understand how the events at Mt. Sinai unfolded, how the Torah itself is structured, and the various ways the Ten Commandments have been interpreted. Every Jew is said to have been “present” (both those living at the time, and those still in the loins of their forefathers) when the Mosaic covenant was made at Mt. Sinai. The Mosaic Covenant is NOT synonymous with Torah, rather it is Israel’s vow to abide by the Torah (i.e. “Law,” though “Instruction” is a more accurate translation). Each year on Shavu'ot (Pentecost), Jews reaffirm their commitment to the Mosaic Covenant (i.e. to live a Torah observant, distinctly Jewish life). As we read of Moses repeatedly ascending and descending Mt. Sinai, in this an ensuing chapters, it can be difficult to keep the order of events straight, and grasp how they will be memorialized in future. Hebrew For Christians provides Rashi’s [11th c. French rabbi; Judaism’s foremost Torah commentator] helpful chronology of the Moses’ time on Mt. Sinai: Rashi wrote concerning these events: - On the 6th of Sivan, Moses went up onto the mountain.... On the 17th of Tammuz the Tablets were broken (1st 40 days). - On the 18th [of Tammuz] he burned the [Golden] Calf and judged the transgressors. On the 19th [of Tammuz] he went up for forty days and pleaded for mercy (2nd 40 days). - On the 1st of Elul he went up to receive the Second Tablets, and was there for forty days (3rd 40 days). - On the 10th of Tishrei God restored His goodwill with the Jewish people gladly and wholeheartedly, saying to Moses "I have forgiven, as you ask,” and gave him the Second Tablets. This traditional understanding of the timing of these events explains why: - The festival of Shavu'ot (Pentecost) is celebrated as Z'man Mattan Torateinu - the time commemorating the giving of the Torah - The 17th of Tammuz is observed as a time of national tragedy - The month of Elul is a time of selichot [prayers for forgiveness] - The 10th of Tishri marks the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). — Hebrew For Christians https://www.hebrew4christians.com/Holidays/Fall_Holidays/Yom_Kippur/yom_kippur.html The Torah itself contains 613 positive (i.e. “thou shalt”) and negative (i.e. “thou shalt not”) commandments. All can be categorized as stemming from the Ten Commandments (i.e “Ten Utterances” or “Decalogue”). However, over time and throughout Scripture, we see those same 613 commandments packed into and unpacked from various other formulations. “Interestingly enough, the Scriptures themselves tend to distill the various commandments of Torah to more general principles that are fewer and fewer in number. For example, in Makkot 23b-24a [a tractate of the Talmud] a discussion goes from 1) an enumeration of the 613 commandments identified in the Torah to 2) David's reduction of the number to 11 [Psalms 15:1-5], to 3) Isaiah's reduction of the number to six [Isaiah 33:15-16]; to 4) Micah's reduction to three [Micah 6:8]; to 5) Isaiah's further reduction to two [Isaiah 56:1]; to 6) the one essential commandment given by Habakkuk ["But the righteous shall live by his faith" - Habakkuk 2:4]. (It is enlightening to see how Rabbi Sha'ul [Paul] likewise distilled the various mitzvot [commandments] to this same principle of faith [Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38].)” — Hebrew For Christians https://hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Torah/Ten_Cmds/ten_cmds.html (See also Mt 5:17-19; Mt 7:12; Mt 22:38-40; Lk 10:26-29; Rom 13:8-10; Gal 5:14; 1Jn 3:11) Lastly, it is helpful to note: “…Jewish exegesis divides the commandments listed in Exodus 20 (and Dt 5:1-33) one way, Catholic tradition divides it another, while Protestant tradition yet another.” — Hebrew For Christians (see a table comparing all three at the link below) https://hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Torah/Ten_Cmds/10cmd-diffs.gif COMMENTARY: Re: Ex 2:2-3 Agreement further implies belief in the Resurrection and eternal life. See Mt 22:31-33. Re: Ex 20:4 Exodus 20:4 (NASB) “You shall not make >>>for yourself <<<*[Or a graven image] an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. Perhaps "for yourself" explains why it was alright for images to be made to adorn the Temple...because they were >>>for G-d and made according to His prescription.<<< From Biblical Archaeology Review https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/ancient-cultures/ancient-israel/jewish-worship-pagan-symbols: “The second commandment can be read in several ways because the Hebrew original of this text is entirely without vowels and punctuation points. We, writing English, have put in a period after the word “earth.”6 But if the period weren’t there, the verse could be read as a long conditional clause: “make no graven images … which you worship.” In this case it’s not the making that is prohibited, but the worshiping. Historically, the Jewish community often understood that it was acceptable to make images as long as one doesn’t worship them. And there is, consequently, a long and varied history of Jewish art, beginning with the cherubim over the Ark in the desert (Exodus 25:18), recorded presumably not long after the giving of the Commandments, and without protest.” Re: Ex 20:5 Ex 20:5 (NASB) “You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations >>>of those who hate Me,<<< Idolatry (like all sin) is a form of hating G-d. Re: Ex 20:7 The most religiously observant Jews will not pronounce a name of God, unless it is said in prayer or religious study. The Sacred Name, Y-H-V-H (technically called the “Tetragrammaton”) is NEVER pronounced by observant Jews, but is always read as "Adonai" (“Master” or “Lord”) or "HaShem” (“the Name”). Moreover, when writing in English, religious Jews will usually hyphenate “L-RD” our “G-d,” to avoid ever inadvertently desecrating or destroying the The Sacred Name. (In a similar vein, out of reverence, you will never see a Jew put his Bible on the ground. If he should accidentally drop it, he will pick it up and kiss it.) Re: Ex 20:8-11 Today, both Traditional and even Messianic Jews continue to observe the biblical Sabbath, per their covenantal obligation. Because the Torah functions as a ketubah (marriage contract) between G-d and His Chosen People, Sabbath observance functions as the wedding ring which reminds the Jewish people of their vows (Ex 31:13). (As an aside… it follows just as Messiah said “the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” [Mk 2:7] the same can be said of the entire Torah. It is a [Gk. “paidagogos;” Gal 3:24] servant tasked with safely conducting the children to their Schoolmaster, Who is Messiah.) Biblical arguments can be made for both gentile observance of the biblical Sabbath, and gentile observance of the “L-rd’s Day” (i.e. the “gentile sabbath”). However, it is baseless and anti-Judaic to suggest G-d >>>moved the Sabbath to Sunday.<<< See also Heb 4:9-10. Re: Ex 20:18 The word most English Bibles translate as "thunder" could translate to "voices"; See also Ex 19:9,16; Acts 2:4 Ex 20:18 (YLT) And all the people are >>>seeing the voices, and the flames,<<< and the sound of the trumpet, and the mount smoking; and the people see, and move, and stand afar off, Were tongues of fire and utterances in the languages of the nations unique to Acts 2:3-11 (Pentecost)? According to a well-known midrash (or Jewish commentary on Scripture) recorded in Shemot Rabbah, they were not unprecedented. Moreover, whereas most English Bibles gloss over what could more literally be translated “SEEING the voices,” Shemot Rabbah addresses this as an observable phenomenon: “‘On the occasion of the giving of the Torah, the Children of Israel not only heard the LORD’s Voice but actually saw the sound waves as they emerged from the LORD’s mouth. They visualized them as a fiery substance. Each commandment that left the LORD’s mouth traveled around the entire camp and then came back to every Jew individually.’ “It goes on to record Rabbi Yochanan saying, ‘God’s voice, as it was uttered, split up into seventy voices, in 70 languages, so that all the nations should understand.’ The number 70 in Scripture is usually associated with ‘the nations.’” — FIRM Israel https://firmisrael.org/learn/shavuot-pentecost-tongues-fire-70-languages/ Re: Ex 20:19 See Heb 12:18-19 Re: Ex 20:26 Ex 20:26 (NASB) ‘And >>>you shall not go up by steps to My altar,<<< so that your nakedness will not be exposed on it.’ More often than not, artists incorrectly depict the altar with steps. c.f. Ezek 43:17. For a deeper dive into the Ten Commandments, see Hebrew For Christians’ overview: https://hebrew4christians.com/Scripture/Torah/Ten_Cmds/ten_cmds.html

Shawn Foster

Mark, this is Clear, concise and compelling! I reckon two of the biggest sins in America are covet ness and creating a god to suit ourselves. Yet I am very grateful for our WM family and so many resources for equipping, worshiping, healing and proclaiming the good news. I sense no need to add to what has already been written except a hearty ‘Well done! and Thank you.’

Dianna Croley

My understanding of carving an image into stone with our own tool not only means a physical image, but also a mental/spiritual image. Meaning, our heart is the stone, and our mind is our own tool. Many people tend to form an image of what they think God is like, and they love and worship that image, which is also idolatry. Also, my understanding of the prohibition of building steps up to the Altar, is also God telling us that our own works to approach Him are like filthy rags. I'm thinking that the word 'steps' could be like 'works'. Many religions, and some churches that profess to be Christian, teach that there are many steps that have to be taken in order to get to God. They teach, you have to do this step/work, then that work, and then another work before you are deemed righteous enough to approach God's Altar. Yet, ironically, with every step, they are actually revealing their unrighteousness, because they can't even fulfill the steps that they themselves made. With every step, God sees their nakedness. Which is why we need to have complete faith and dependence on Christ's works and not our own, lest our nakedness/unrighteousness be shown. I was raised in a church that believed in Christ, yet they only observed God's Holy Days. We attended on Saturdays and didn't celebrate Easter, Christmas, St. Patrick's day, birthdays, and of course not Halloween. It was called the worldwide church of god, and I attended, from before the age that I can remember, and throughout my adolescence, while the founder, Herbert W. Armstrong, was still living. I view it now as more of a cultish church. Not because of observing the Holy Days, but because of so many other things. However, I do feel blessed to have been raised in it, because I have a greater understanding of both the OT and the NT than I think I would have had otherwise. And, we know that God uses all things for Good for those who believe. Which is why I agree with you in your assessment that we should observe both God's Sabbath on Saturday and the Lord's Day on Sunday. Saturday should be the Day of Rest. The Jews were even instructed to not go out of their houses on the Sabbath. And, Sunday should be the Day of meeting with the congregation in Church. I am always learning, so please, what are your thoughts?

Michael Scaman

"And God spoke all these words " reminds us how important it is too listen. The order is God, then parents, then others. It's great that God keeps these lists simple. 10 commandments, not a million. But simple does not mean easy. It takes a heart change to really keep them.

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Mark. I am struck by the fact that God phrased this chapter not in direct commands, but most of the commandments were given as "Thou shalt not," which is descriptive of behavior. A person walking in obedience and submission to the Lord WILL NOT do the things prohibited in Exodus 20. Then in the New Testament, we learn that the power of the gospel (particularly being indwelled by God Himself) produces transformation that changes our hearts. Instead of rebellious disobedience, we WANT to align ourselves with what God says will not only please Him, but which will allow things to go well with us. And we also learn in the New Testament that Jesus is the fulfillment of the OT Law. He walked out every one of the Ten Commandments in perfection and holiness because there was nothing in Him that *wanted* to sin, that *wanted* to do any of the things prohibited in this chapter. I can just imagine a conversation in heaven before Jesus left to become a human baby. Father: "Son, when You're on earth, You won't have any gods before Me." Son: "I sure won't, Abba! Who else is there in heaven but You? Why would I want any fake deity when I have this amazing union with YOU?!" Father: "And You won't make any images or create Yourself a little idol to bow down and worship in instead of Me, either." Son: "Are You kidding? When I have the true and living God as Father??! Absolutely not!" Father: "And My name will be safe in Your mouth while You're down there." Son: "It sure will be." Father: "You'll be honoring the Sabbath by not doing any work on that day, right?" Son: "I won't forget how We rested on the seventh day after all that work of creation. We did GOOOOOOOOD, didn't We?" Etc., etc., etc.

Amy Lowther

1. I view God to be a person of good words and a person who loves each of us. I am joyful that God believes in me and helps me to live a healthy life. I know God can be trusted and does things for our good. If I am skeptical about what God requests, I go back to God in prayer and I look in the Bible as well to understand what makes me skeptical about God. 2. Currently I put no gods before God, but I have to be careful of getting in my own way. God usually helps me overcome this to see his glory. The focus people would see would be honoring God and Jesus. 3. No, the peace God helps you celebrate has led me to walk in righteousness. 4. It’s tough to make it to church all of the time for various reasons. I encourage people that attending church is valuable and useful. I am pleased several people are attending more consistently than they have in the past. I compliment them whenever possible.

Michael Sisson

Matthew 5:17-19 According to Jesus’ own testimony and the testimony of angels, Messiah's coming on a cloud >>>has not yet been fulfilled (Mt 24:30; 26:64; Lk 21:27, Acts 1:11, Mk 13:26, Dan 7:13),<<< Consequently, we must conclude not one letter of the Law has been abrogated by Christ. Furthermore, in his second sermon, Peter likewise states in Acts 3:21 there are prophesies about Israel’s restoration >>>yet to be fulfilled.<<< Whether or not gentile believers in Jesus were obligated to keep Torah was an entirely separate question addressed by the Jerusalem Council. (See Acts 15:1-35) Moreover, consider this: the JEWISH apostles, leaders, and disciples of Jesus clearly agreed they should continue in THEIR Torah observance. If they had concluded otherwise, then the question of GENTILE Torah observance >>>would have been moot, and there never would have been a Jerusalem Council.<<<

JOHN CIMMERMAN

God had 2 important purposes in mind when He gave the 10 Commandments. The first purpose involves our need for a Savior from sin. Through w 10 Commandments, God wanted all people aware of their sinful condition. Paul made this purpose clear: “the purpose of sin comes through the law” see Romans 3:20 and Galatians 3;19-26. The second purpose was for the children of Israel

JOHN CIMMERMAN

To finish my first post: to become His “kingdom of priests” and His “holy nation” and consequently, a witness to their pagan neighbors (Exodus 19:6) By pastor Gene Getz Good morning and praise the Lord for JTJ!