The Ten Commandments

Are Biblical Laws for Political Control or for Good?

The law was delivered to the Israelites as they were emerging from slavery. Through these laws God promised life and prosperity. Jesus would later proclaim that these commandments were rooted in love.

What do you see in these laws? Read on and share your thoughts.

Moses delivered the Ten Commandments carved into two stone tablets. Have you ever read the original Scripture?

Read the Delivery of the Ten Commandments

What Happened Before...

A Harsh Reality

The Israelites had been slaves in a nation not their own. Like slaves in every era, they were mistreated and subject to harsh punishments.

A New World

Prompted by God, Moses led them to a divine escape. They fled into the nearby desert where their own society would need to be rebuilt.

A New Law, A New Order

Moses, God's chosen prophet, went up Mt. Sinai and came down with Ten Commandments carved into stone tablets. This law provided a new future that was not rooted in slave law. Jesus later summarized the 10 Commandments in two parts:

Jesus said to him,“‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” -Matthew 22:37-40

Life & Prosperity

Profound Impact

What would society look like if the burden from people breaking these was lifted? For example, the U.S. loses $900B+/year to cyber crimes and thievery. Imagine if that just stopped. There would be no need for doorbell cameras, constantly changing passwords, identity theft insurance, or spam blockers. If all those hackers and petty thieves took the time and energy they spent in masterminding their robbery; and put it towards contributing to society—imagine the potential!

Review the commandments below and see the potential of their fulfillment. What do you think about the potential in these ancient commandments? Are they still relevant today?

Old testament Bible scene: Moses and the ten commandments

Commandment	The Hope & Fulfillment
You shall have no other gods before Me.	There is nothing else on earth that's worthy of worship on the earth.
You shall not make idols.	False gods are rooted in sensationalism and have no power to improve life.
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.	Revere and honor God's holy name.
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.	There's no need to work yourself to the bone because it is for God to bless your work. A day of rest each week is a gift.
Honor your father and your mother.	Rejecting your parents' advice cuts you off from people more experienced than you.
You shall not murder.	Cherish the lives of others and promote peace by settling conflict with wisdom.
You shall not commit adultery.	Love, support, and delight in one another, as you fulfill your destiny together.
You shall not steal.	Thievery comes at a great cost to society. When all people work together honestly, the world becomes a better place.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.	Speak the truth in love.
You shall not covet.	Practice contentment, gratitude, and generosity. Be inspired by others towards making your own life better.

Leora's Perspective

A dietician, wife, and mom of three speaks of recent health problems and says, "With everything I've been going through I still have a job that's been very understanding and a stable family. I credit the truth in the Ten Commandments with the stability I have, even going through hardship."

What are your thoughts on the Ten Commandments? Are they still useful today? Do you see benefit in them or do you see them as controlling?

Share your thoughts

God said to the Israelites, "Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess." -Deuteronomy 5:33