Ten Commandments One and Two – No Other Gods
The next few weeks of Bible study are going to be exciting! We’re diving deep into the Ten Commandments from the Book of Exodus—one by one.
You’ve probably heard these commandments your entire life. But let’s be honest—can you list all ten in order without peeking? If not, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re starting fresh, beginning with Ten Commandments One and Two, where God lays the foundation for everything that follows.
Why Did God Give the 10 Commandments?
The Ten Commandments were given by God to the people of Israel after He led them out of slavery in Egypt.
One major reason? To help them form a real nation—with laws, structure, and accountability. These commandments weren’t just spiritual rules—they were societal ones too.
In fact, many of our modern laws in the United States and other countries have roots in these ancient principles. These timeless truths have shaped civilization itself.
Commandment #1: “You Shall Have No Other Gods Before Me”
Let’s look at what the Bible says directly from the Book of Exodus:
“You shall have no other gods before Me.
“You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.
You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me,
but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”
— Exodus 20:3-6 NASB
This is where it all begins.
When the Israelites left Egypt, they were stepping out of a culture filled with idols and gods of every kind. Egypt had gods for the sun, moon, animals—you name it.
God wanted His people to know:
“I am the one true God. Worship Me alone.”
The Heart of the First Commandment
This first commandment isn’t just about religion—it’s about relationship.
God wasn’t asking for attention. He was inviting His people into a life-changing commitment.
In Exodus 20:1-6, we see how much weight and emphasis God places on the first of the Ten Commandments. He knew that unless the Israelites accepted Him as their only God, the rest of the commandments wouldn’t have much meaning.
It’s the same for us today.
What Jesus Said About the First Commandment
Did you know Jesus also pointed to this first commandment as one of the most important?
When asked about the greatest commandment in the Law, He replied:
“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”
— Matthew 22:37 NASB
Loving God completely is the heartbeat of all faith.
And if you’re wondering what the other greatest commandment of Christ is, I listed it here.
✨ Reflection for Today
Here’s something to think about:
Are there things in your life that might be taking God’s place?
It could be success, comfort, approval, or even good things like family or ministry.
The first of the Ten Commandments One and Two asks us to look closely at what we worship with our time, energy, and heart.
It’s not about guilt—it’s about realigning our hearts to what matters most.
Next Steps:
- Reflect on Exodus 20:3-6 in your own quiet time.
- Ask God to show you if anything is taking His place in your heart.
- Come back next week as we look at the third commandment and dig deeper into the Book of Exodus.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to know more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 for more information.