THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (EXODUS. 20: 1 – 17)
While on Mount Sinai, God gave Moses Ten Commandments written on a stone tablet. The first four commandments deal with relationship between man and God.
God said:
- You shall have no other gods but me.
- You shall not make yourself a graven image.
- You shall not mention Gods’ name in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.
The last six commandments give man’s relationship with fellow human beings.
God said:
- Honor you father and mother that your days may be long on earth.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
- You shall not covet your neighbor’s property.
These are my thoughts.
(1) Worshipping God
(2) Being faithful to God
(3) Resting
(4) respecting parental authority
(5) love humanity
(6) Be faithful to your wife or husband
(7) respect other people’s property
(8) be truthful always
(9) be satisfied with what God has given you.
Israelites understand the nature of god
The Israelites had a new and wider revelation about God. Besides GOD being a caring, loving, and a provider,
They learnt that:
- God is a jealous God. He does not allow the worship of others gods. He alone should be worshipped.
- God does not condone evil. He punishes those who cause/engage in it.
- God values a personal relationship with his people.
- God wants people to live in harmony among them.
- God forgives those who repent. He is loving, merciful and compassionate.
- God is a healer – he healed Israelites in the wilderness when a snake attacked them.
- God is a God of victory. He defeated the Amalekites, perizzites, and Hittites etc.
- God is faithful and can be depended upon.
- God is holy, slow to anger, powerful and just.
God demands obedience to His commands.