Understanding the Ten Commandments from the Book of Exodus
When you visit Washington, D.C., you might notice something fascinating—the Ten Commandments engraved on courthouses and government buildings. This isn’t by accident. Our American legal system draws from these foundational principles first given to the people of Israel in the Book of Exodus.
These ancient laws have shaped nations, cultures, and individual lives for thousands of years—and they still hold meaning today.
Why Did God Give the Ten Commandments?
When God brought the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt, He wasn’t just rescuing them—He was building a new nation.
To help bring order, identity, and spiritual direction to this massive, wandering group, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. You’ll find this powerful moment recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 NASB.
And later, Jesus pointed back to these laws when He summarized the heart of them in just two commandments:
- Love God.
- Love your neighbor.
Pretty timeless advice, right?
The Ten Commandments – Exodus 20:1-17 NASB
Here’s a refresher straight from the Book of Exodus, in case you don’t have all ten memorized:
And God spoke all these words:
“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make for yourself an idol… You shall not bow down to them or serve them…
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…
4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy…
5. Honor your father and your mother…
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet… anything that belongs to your neighbor.
These commandments might seem simple, but they’ve stirred up debate, inspired laws, and challenged hearts for centuries.
Are the Ten Commandments Still Relevant Today?
Absolutely. While some might say they’re “old-fashioned,” most of us would agree that not lying, stealing, or killing still makes good sense.
As the saying goes, “common sense isn’t so common.” That’s part of why these commandments matter—they guide us back to what’s right, especially in a world full of noise and confusion.
What’s Next in This Series
This post is just the beginning.
In future blog entries, we’ll take a closer look at each of the Ten Commandments, exploring what they meant in biblical times—and what they mean for us now.
So, if you’ve ever struggled to remember all ten, or wondered how they apply to your life today, you’re in the right place.
Let’s walk through them together—step by step—and find fresh insight for our spiritual journey.
Stay tuned for the next post in this series. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments. What does the Book of Exodus and the Ten Commandments mean to you today?
Love in Christ
– Bob
Want to discover more about the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ? Please take a moment to read John 3:16 for more information.