Exodus 20 - Printer Friendly

When God first called Moses (Exodus 3:4–6), the Lord predicted that the nation of Israel would arrive at Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:12), also called Horeb or the "mountain of God" (Exodus 3:1). Now that the people have arrived (Exodus 19:1–2), God will give them the laws of His covenant (Exodus 19:5–6). The first of these are the Ten Commandments, which establish the principles grounding the rest of the laws of Israel. God's declaration of these rules begins with a reminder of His work in freeing Israel from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 20:1–2).

The first commandment establishes exclusive worship of the One True God. In this context, the word translated as "before" refers to being in God's presence, or in His sight. Israel is to have no other deities "besides" the One who calls Himself "the Lord" (Exodus 3:15). No other deities exist (Isaiah 45:5). God alone is the Creator (Genesis 1:1). This is the absolute cornerstone of all understanding (Proverbs 1:7). Worship of any other being is absolutely forbidden (Exodus 20:2–3).

The second commandment forbids all idols. This includes crafting them or using them. The words here refer to something "carved" or "engraved." The prohibition is absolute: no images of any kind, representing anything, may be venerated, prayed to, or worshipped. This does not exempt well-meaning representations of God or His people. Nor does God excuse those who practice this idolatry because of tradition. Each generation is responsible for obedience to these commandments, no matter what their parents might have taught (Exodus 20:4–6).

The third commandment prohibits disrespecting the Lord's name or reputation. To "take God's name in vain" is much broader than using words like "God" as expletives. The original language refers to making an oath in the name of the Lord and failing to honor it. But this also includes claiming to honor or represent God while slandering His character. It includes perverting His holiness or nature to cover up or legitimize sin. Associating with or speaking of the Lord both demand reverence (Exodus 20:7).

The fourth commandment requires Israel to honor a day of rest after six days of work. This echoes the Lord's example of ceasing His creative work after six "days" (Genesis 2:1–3). This is one of many laws distinguishing Israel from other nations (Deuteronomy 14:2; Leviticus 20:26). Despite many misunderstandings, the Sabbath has not changed. It applies to the nation of Israel under the old covenant. It begins on Friday at sundown and ends Saturday at sundown. The Sabbath is set aside for rest, not acts of worship. It was meant for man's benefit, not for legalism (Mark 2:27). Under the Mosaic covenant, Israel is to strictly enforce this for both people and animals (Exodus 20:8–11).

The fifth commandment obligates respect for one's parents. This usually includes obedience (Colossians 3:20), but not robotic compliance (Acts 5:29). Nor are children subservient for their entire lives (Genesis 2:24; Mark 10:7). But sons and daughters are expected to treat their parents with deference and care. They should learn from prior generations about God and His works (Psalm 34:11; 78:4). Culture collapses into chaos when younger generations snub those who raised them (Exodus 20:12).

The sixth commandment uses a Hebrew term, ratsach, which here means illicit killing. Predatory, negligent, or unreasonable homicide is forbidden. This does not forbid every possible circumstance of ending a life (Genesis 9:3, 6; Exodus 22:2; 29:38; Numbers 10:9). In modern English, this is best phrased as "do not murder." Covenant law will include ways to separate accidents from acts of illegal manslaughter (Numbers 35:11–12; Deuteronomy 4:41–43). As Christ will explain (Matthew 5:21–22), God intends this law to include hateful thoughts, as well (Exodus 20:13).

The seventh commandment prohibits adultery. The term used here specifically applies to breaking a marriage covenant's boundaries of sexual contact. Unmarried sexual contact is typically labeled "fornication" or simply "sexual immorality." Those sins will be addressed in other parts of Scripture (Exodus 22:16; Deuteronomy 22:28–29; Corinthians 5:1; 7:2). Families are the basic unit of any civilization; marriage is the core of the family. Taking sex outside of that designed relationship (Genesis 1:27–28; 2:24–25) is harmful. As with murder, Jesus will clarify that this idea applies to thoughts as well as actions (Matthew 5:27–28). Adultery is also used as a metaphor for idolatry (Jeremiah 3:1–18; Hosea 4:12) since it violates a covenant relationship (Exodus 20:14).

The eighth commandment outlaws theft. This means taking anything to which a person is not entitled. It can also include denying others what they are owed (Exodus 23:6; Proverbs 22:22; Isaiah 10:1–2; Ezekiel 22:29; Malachi 3:8). Serious offenses—such as kidnapping slaves (Exodus 21:16)—were subject to the death penalty (Exodus 20:15).

The ninth commandment is much broader, and more nuanced, than its common summary of "do not lie." The literal Hebrew phrasing here refers to perjury: lying during an official legal proceeding. God shows an overwhelming preference for honesty and a distaste for deceit (Leviticus 19:11; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 5:6; 101:7). So, this law applies beyond the courtroom. Yet some forms of deception seem legitimate, such as camouflage or feints during war. Sports often include an effort to mislead an opponent. Some biblical events, while not endorsing deception, demonstrate positive outcomes of good-faith applications of deception (Exodus 1:16–21; Joshua 2:4–14; 1 Samuel 21:13). Despite those debates, God's people are clearly intended to be truthful; very few of our untruths are applied in good faith (Exodus 20:16).

The tenth commandment forbids all forms of coveting. To "covet" implies an inappropriately intense craving, or desire for something forbidden. Simple wishes, attractions, approvals, or interests are not covetous. They become sins when their object is off-limits, or when the desire interferes with obedience to the Lord. This is the same principle separating attraction from lust and hunger from gluttony. Wrong priority of desire makes covetousness like idolatry (Colossians 3:5). In this way, the Ten Commandments start and end with God's supremacy (Exodus 20:17).

Critics often complain that the Ten Commandments fail to explicitly mention certain moral sins. A common example is rape. However, these first ten laws establish the basis for all the others. Sexual assault involves a level of hatred (Exodus 20:13), heinous theft (Exodus 20:15), and disordered desires (Exodus 20:17). This applies to other moral crimes. Fraud, for instance, would be considered both lying and stealing (Leviticus 6:1–3; Deuteronomy 25:15; Job 24:2–4; James 5:4). Christ's teaching in the New Testament shows how these principles apply well beyond their literal words (e.g., Matthew 5—7).

Mount Sinai was a terrifying spectacle (Exodus 19:16–20). The people react appropriately by accepting Moses as God's designated spokesman. This "fear" is a natural response to God's awesome power (Proverbs 1:7). Moses immediately reassures the people. God isn't trying to inspire terror. Rather, He is giving the people a chance to show that they will obey His laws (Exodus 20:18–21).

The first laws of the Mosaic covenant after the Ten Commandments regard how to construct altars. Later, the Lord will describe a single altar for use in the tabernacle (Exodus 27:1–8). Until then, the people will know the right process. Altars are to be made of natural materials: dirt and unmodified stones. The emphasis is to be on worship of God, not celebrating human skill. These altars must also be accessible without steps or stairs. This not only limits their size, but it also prevents worshippers from exposing the underside of their robes to others (Exodus 20:22–26).

The next several chapters of Exodus will add details to the Ten Commandments and rules for a variety of subjects. These regulations make up most of the rest of the book.