EXODUS TO DEUTERONOMY 83
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20)
against creating images and idols
is considered by Catholics to be
part of the first commandment
to worship no other gods. However,
Greek Orthodox and Protestant
denominations retain the Ten
Commandments as recorded
in the Book of Exodus.Guide to life
One of the enduring legacies of
the Ten Commandments is their
combination of what we often
see as religious and secular life.
Throughout the Bible, there is no
clear distinction made between
the spiritual life of God’s people
and their practical life, or between
public and private spheres. God’s
law covered all aspects of their
lives, including politics and
economics, friendships and family.
The Ten Commandments
instructed the Israelites to live
out their lives as God’s people,
showing to other people the justice
and generosity that God had first
given to them. Because of this
positive role of law in the Israelites’
lives, songs were even composed
in praise of it. Psalm 17 says:
“The law of the Lord is perfect,
refreshing the soul.” ■- You shall have no other
gods before me. - You shall not misuse the
name of the Lord your God. - Honor your father
and your mother. - You shall not
commit adultery. - You shall not give
false testimony against
your neighbor. - You shall not make for
yourself an idol and worship it. - Remember the Sabbath
day and keep it holy. - You shall not murder.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not covet
anything that belongs
to your neighbor.
Then he took the Book of
the Covenant and read
it to the people. They
responded, ‘We will do
everything the Lord has
said; we will obey.’
Exodus 24:7US_078-083_Ten_commandments.indd 83 21/09/17 11:29 am