Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments This section presents the giving of the Ten Commandments, also called the moral law. God spoke these commandments directly and audibly to all Israel, making them unique among his laws. The commentary explains the authority and significance behind these commandments, the way they were introduced, and their lasting importance for God’s people. v. 1: God himself spoke all these words to the people of Israel. The Ten Commandments came from the highest authority—the eternal and almighty God. He did not use a messenger, but spoke in his own voice, with great power and majesty, to show how serious these laws are. This law had been written in the hearts of people before, but because sin had erased much of that knowledge, God now repeated it in a way that no one could forget. v. 2: God introduced himself as the Lord who brought Israel out of Egypt. He reminded them that he alone has the right to command them because he is their Creator, their covenant God, and their Deliverer. Because he saved them from slavery, they owe him their obedience out of gratitude and loyalty. This also reminds us that Christ, who saves us from sin, has the right to our service (Luke 1:74 a). vv. 3–11: The first four commandments describe our duty to God. The first commandment tells us to worship only the true God and not to put anything else in his place (Exodus 20:3 b). The second commandment forbids making or worshipping images, and warns about God’s jealousy and the consequences of idolatry (Exodus 20:4–6 c). The third commandment requires us to respect God’s name and not use it carelessly or dishonestly (Exodus 20:7 d). The fourth commandment is about keeping the Sabbath day holy, resting from work, and remembering God’s creation. This day is a special sign of our relationship with God and a reminder to trust him (Exodus 20:8–11 e). – – – – – – – – v. 12: The fifth commandment says, Honour your father and your mother . This means respecting your parents, listening to their advice, obeying their instructions, accepting their corrections, and caring for them, especially when they are old. God promises that those who honor their parents will have a long and good life in the land he gives them (Eph 6:1-3 f). Taking care of our parents pleases God, and he will support those who do so (Matthew 15:4–6 g).vv. 12–17: The last six commandments describe our duty to other people. They require us to honour our parents, respect life, stay faithful in marriage, be honest, not steal, tell the truth, and not covet what belongs to others (Exodus 20:12–17 h). These commands teach us to love our neighbour as ourselves. v. 13: The sixth commandment is You shall not kill . This commandment forbids hurting or taking someone’s life unjustly. It includes not only murder, but also hatred, revenge, and harmful anger (Matthew 5:22 i). It does not forbid self-defense, justice by courts, or war when truly necessary. God cares deeply about human life. v. 14: The seventh commandment is You shall not commit adultery . This teaches us to be pure and faithful, and forbids all unfaithfulness in marriage and any sexual sin. Jesus explained that even looking at someone with lust breaks this commandment (Matthew 5:28 j). God wants us to keep our hearts and actions clean. v. 15: The eighth commandment is You shall not steal . We must not take what belongs to others, cheat, or be dishonest in any way. This includes not only stealing from people but also from our community or from God’s house. v. 16: The ninth commandment is You shall not bear false witness . We must not lie, deceive, or speak unfairly about others. This commandment teaches us to be honest in court, in everyday life, and to protect our neighbor’s reputation. Slandering or gossiping is also forbidden. v. 17: The tenth commandment says, You shall not covet . We must not long for what belongs to someone else. This commandment speaks to the desires in our hearts, teaching us to be content and not jealous of others. The Apostle Paul learned from this commandment that God cares about our thoughts and desires, not just our actions (Romans 7:7 k). Terror with Which the Law Was GivenThis passage describes the powerful and frightening way God gave the law at Mount Sinai. The thunder, lightning, and trumpet sounds made the people feel the greatness of God and the seriousness of his commands. God wanted the people to truly respect him and understand that breaking his law is no small thing. The fear they felt was also a picture of the final judgment and of the deep feelings the law can bring to our hearts. But this terror also helps us appreciate the kindness and grace that comes through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:18 l).v. 18: When the people saw the thunder, lightning, smoke, and heard the trumpet, they were terrified and stood far away . Before God spoke, they wanted to come close and see, but now they understood how holy and powerful God is, and they kept their distance.After hearing God’s voice and seeing the thunder, lightning, and smoke, the people were afraid and asked Moses to speak to them instead. This showed how holy and serious God’s law is, and how much we need a mediator. Moses told them not to fear, but to let this experience help them respect God and avoid sin (Exodus 20:18–21 m). In summary, the Ten Commandments are the foundation for all of God’s laws. They show us what pleases God and what is right for us. We are called to obey out of gratitude, respect, and love for God who has saved us.These commandments teach us how to love our neighbors and live in peace with others. True religion involves both loving God and being fair and kind to other people. Godliness and honesty should always go together. v. 19: The people begged Moses, You speak to us, and we will listen. But do not let God speak to us, or we will die (Exodus 20:19; Hebrews 12:19 n). They chose Moses as their mediator, agreeing to listen to God’s message through him. This shows us it is sometimes better for God to speak to us through his chosen messengers, like the Scriptures and teachers, rather than by frightening signs. v. 20: Moses told the people, Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of him will keep you from sinning . The thunder and fire were not meant to destroy them but to teach them respect for God. God wants us to have a holy fear that leads us to obey him, not a fear that drives us away from him (Psalm 4:4 o). v. 21: While the people stayed at a distance, Moses went near the thick darkness where God was . Moses could approach because God called him and gave him courage. In the same way, Jesus brings us close to God and gives us confidence to come to him (Jeremiah 30:21; Ephesians 3:12 p). The Law Concerning AltarsAfter Moses went into the thick darkness to be with God, God gave him more instructions about worship. These laws were first spoken to Moses privately and later given to the people. This section focuses on how Israel was to worship God, especially about making altars and avoiding idols. God’s instructions were meant to keep their worship pure and simple, so they would not fall into the mistakes of other nations.v. 22–23: God reminded the people that he had spoken to them from heaven, showing his greatness and nearness. He warned them not to make gods of silver or gold, or worship any images (Exodus 20:22–23 q). God wanted them to remember that he is invisible and holy. Making images would be both an insult to God and a way of tricking themselves into false ideas about him. Only God’s word should guide their worship. – v. 24: God promised that wherever his name was truly honored, he would come and bless the people (Exodus 20:24 r). Later, God chose one place for his worship, but now, in the time of the gospel, God will bless his people wherever they sincerely gather in his name (Matthew 18:20 s). God’s presence and blessing are the most important things for true worship.v. 24–25: God told them to make altars out of plain earth or uncut stones (Exodus 20:24–25 t). They were not to use tools on the stones, so there would be no risk of turning the altar into an idol. This prevented them from trying to make an “attractive” or “spiritual” altar. God does not want any images, shapes or moldings made of Himself or placed on an altar. By commanding the use of uncut stones, God was teaching the Israelites that their altars—and by extension, their worship—should reflect His holiness and purity. The verse also speaks to the idea that human efforts, represented by the use of tools to shape the stones, can detract from the pure worship that God desires. Worship is not about impressing God with our skills or creativity but about approaching Him with a humble and sincere heart. God values plain, sincere worship over fancy decorations or outward show. The important thing is to worship God with a true heart, not to impress others. – v. 26: God said their altars should be low, so people would not go up by steps (Exodus 20:26 u). This was to keep their worship respectful and avoid anything shameful. Unlike other nations, Israel was to worship God in a pure and modest way, focusing on the heart, not on high places or fancy rituals. This commandment stems from a desire for sincere worship. God desires that we come to Him with clean hands and pure hearts, and that our worship is grounded in His standards.
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