Exodus 20 explained: The Ten Commandments Are Given

God introduces himself (vv. 1-2)

Before any rule, God reminds the people that he is the one who freed them from slavery in Egypt. The commands come to a people already rescued, so they read as a way of life for the freed rather than the price of freedom.

No other gods, no idols (vv. 3-6)

In a world full of gods, Israel was to worship the LORD alone and not make statues or images to bow down to as a way of worshiping him. Calling God "jealous" pictures the fierce loyalty of a marriage, and setting three or four generations against a thousand stresses that his love far outlasts his punishment.

God's name and the day of rest (vv. 7-11)

Misusing God's name most likely meant using it in false or empty oaths or to manipulate, not only careless speech. The seventh day, the Sabbath, was a weekly day off for the whole household, including servants, foreigners and animals, patterned on God resting after creation.

Duties to other people (vv. 12-17)

These commands protect family, life, marriage, property and honest testimony in court, and the last one reaches inside a person to forbid craving what belongs to someone else. Christians often read this list alongside Jesus' later summary of the law as loving God and loving your neighbor.

The people keep their distance (vv. 18-21)

Thunder, lightning, smoke and a trumpet blast so frighten the people that they beg Moses to speak to them himself, because they fear they will die if God speaks to them directly. Moses tells them the aim is not to destroy them but to give them a lasting awe that keeps them from doing wrong.

Simple altars (vv. 22-26)

Altars were to be plain heaps of earth or uncut stones, perhaps to avoid carved decorations that could drift toward idol worship, though scholars are not certain of the reason. No steps were allowed so that the person climbing up in a loose robe would not expose himself.

Key verse: Exodus 20:2

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on how these commands apply today, especially the Sabbath, which some keep on Saturday, many observe as Sunday, and others see as fulfilled in Jesus rather than binding as a weekly rule.

Something to think about

Do rules feel different when they come from someone who has already done something good for you, and if so, why?