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 God’s 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.
- Worshipping God
- Being faithful to God
- Resting
- Respecting parental authority
- Love humanity
- Be faithful to your wife or husband
- Respect other people’s property
- Be truthful always
- 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.