Exodus 20:15 - Printer Friendly

Israel was freed from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–14; 12:40–41) and arrived at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–2). There, God gave the laws of His covenant with the people (Exodus 19:5–6; 20:1). The first of these are the famous Ten Commandments. Some regulate Israel's relationship to God (Exodus 20:2–11). The others cover relationships between people (Exodus 20:12–14, 16–17).

The Ten Commandments establish a foundation for the rest of the Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). All other rules and regulations are derived from these basic principles. Or, at least, this was God's intent. Jesus clarified this when He explained how anger (Matthew 5:21–22) and lust (Matthew 5:27–28) were sins even though they were not physical acts. "Stealing" literally refers to objects. But Scripture demonstrates that we "steal" from others anytime we selfishly deny them what should be theirs (Exodus 23:6; Proverbs 22:22; Isaiah 10:2; Ezekiel 22:29; Malachi 3:8). Fraud would be considered both lying and stealing (Leviticus 6:1–3; Deuteronomy 25:15; Job 24:2–4; James 5:4).

Some forms of theft, such as capturing men to be sold as slaves, were subject to the death penalty (Exodus 21:16)

Exodus 20:1–17 contains the Ten Commandments: the foundational laws of the ancient nation of Israel. These provide a basis for every other Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). The laws prohibit worship of other gods, idolatry, blasphemy, perjury, theft, murder, adultery, and covetousness. They command Israelites to honor parents and observe a weekly Sabbath rest. Like the rest of the old covenant, these commandments will be "fulfilled" and no longer applicable after Christ's completed work (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). However, all these rules, other than the command to observe the Sabbath, are repeated in Christ's teachings.

At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)

Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.