Many of us view the commandments as one-line statements that are meant to act as a guide to walking in the terrestrial world. This may be the case, but it's only scratching the surface.
Divine mercy Romans 9:1-33
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The commandments have been expounded on by scholars and the church in general over many centuries to the point where there is a theology around it, that is much deeper and certainly more helpful than merely the one-sentence statements. By dwelling on these, our hope is that it will help in attaining a deeper understanding of the commandments.
The two great commandments that Jesus alludes to in the new testament, namely the Love of God and the Love of neighbour is the foundation on which the decalogue rests. The first four commandments focus on God, and the remaining six on neighbor.
The 10 commandments (Exodus 20:8), simply stated are as follows:
1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have other gods besides me.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
9. You shall not covet your neighbour's wife.
10. You shall not covet your neighbour's goods.
Bloch- Christ Crucified Luke 23:26-43
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1. I am the Lord your God. You shall not have other gods besides me
This commandment is foundational to the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths, and has been interpreted in various ways throughout history.
At its core, this commandment emphasizes exclusive worship and devotion to God. It asserts that there is only one true God, who deserves our highest allegiance and obedience. In other words, the commandment warns against the worship of false gods or idols, which was a common practice in biblical times and remains a temptation in many cultures and religions today.
We should not forget that worship is not just paying obeisance, but is also extended to what we value most in our lives. If for instance money plays a pivotal role in all our decision-making and thus our actions, then money becomes a God that dictates our every action. Anything other than God and the morality around a love of God, as a guide to one's life, becomes an idol (see the seven deadly sins and corresponding virtues).
This commandment also implies that God is a personal and relational God who has chosen to reveal himself to his people. This is reflected in the opening phrase, "I am the Lord your God," which emphasizes a covenant relationship between God and his people. This relationship involves not only the worship of God but also obedience to his laws and commandments, which are intended to guide his people towards a life of holiness and righteousness.
Throughout history, this commandment has been interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on cultural and religious contexts. In Jewish tradition, for example, the prohibition against other gods is often linked to the belief in God's unique sovereignty and his role as creator and sustainer of the universe. In Christian tradition, this commandment is often seen as a call to a deeper relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, who is understood to be the fulfilment of God's promises to his people.
Bloch- Healing the paralytic at Bethesda pool John 5:1-15
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2. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain
This commandment warns against using the name of God in a flippant or disrespectful manner. It emphasizes the importance of showing reverence and respect towards God, whose name is considered sacred.
In ancient times, taking the name of God in vain was a rare occurrence, and there were serious penalties for it. In biblical times blasphemy (the offensive use of God's name) was a serious offence whose ultimate consequence was death. Our Messiah was sentenced to death on the basis of this offence. The same for the first Christian martyr, Steven. To date, Islam still treats this offence in the same way.
I am against any fundamentalism in any religious tradition. It seems Christ-like to me, to allow people and societies, in general, to come to a personal realization of the ultimate good and not force anyone to worship what they do not yet understand. I am however against taking lightly what others respect. St Paul in his various epistles and writings tells us, in line with our love of neighbour, to respect others and not to cause them to falter by disrespecting what they consider important, and in this case holy. Let our actions and words become the source of evangelization rather than proselytizing through pontification and force.
The commandment also has broader implications beyond the use of God's name. It is often interpreted as a call to sincerity and honesty in all speech and actions and a reminder that all of our words and deeds should reflect our reverence for God.
In contemporary times, this commandment is often cited in discussions around the appropriate use of God's name in public discourse, media, and popular culture. Many religious traditions hold that using God's name in a casual or disrespectful can lead to a desensitization of people towards the sacred. I think we can all attest to this in this age.
Delaroche - Herodias with the head of the Baptist Mark 6:14-29
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3. Remember to keep holy the Lord's Day
This commandment instructs believers to set aside one day out of the week as a day of rest and worship in honour of God.
The specific day of the week observed as the Sabbath varies among different religions and cultures. For Christians, Sunday is considered the Lord's Day as it is the day of Jesus Christ's resurrection. For Jews, the Sabbath is observed on Saturday, while some other religions observe Friday or other days.
The commandment to keep the Lord's Day holy has both spiritual and practical implications. On the spiritual side, the day is set apart as a time to honour God, reflect on His goodness, and offer worship and praise. It is a time to reconnect with one's faith community and to participate in communal worship and prayer.
On the practical side, the day of rest is also a time to refresh and recharge, spend time with loved ones, and engage in leisurely activities that promote physical and mental well-being. It is a time to refrain from work and prioritize the things that truly matter in life.
In Israel, the Sabbath pronounced Shabbat, is treated with much reverence amongst practising Jews. No activity of any kind is allowed. They say one can hear a pin drop on the day if walking on the street. No cooking, or physical activity of any kind (including pressing a button on a lift). It may seem excessive and reminds me of Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees, in regard to religious practice over charity on Shabbat. All the same, their reverence for the day is, I think, something to be admired. The same goes for Muslims, who also have their equivalent on Fridays. It's quite a sight to see thousands of adherents heading to the mosque in their white Friday garb.
In Christian countries, due to different working schedules, required to provide all manner of services on Sunday, a choice is inadvertently given; choose a day and spend the time reflecting on God's word and attending mass or services offered on days other than the Sabbath Sunday. This is a consideration of Christian charity and the concern for those that cannot attend on Sundays.
4. Honor your father and your mother
This commandment instructs believers to respect and honour their parents, as they are the ones who gave them life and provided for them throughout their upbringing.
The commandment does not just apply to children but also to adults, who are expected to continue to honour and respect their parents throughout their lives. This includes showing them love, gratitude, and appreciation, as well as providing for them in their old age if necessary.
Honouring one's parents involves both outward actions and inward attitudes. Outwardly, this includes obeying their rules and instructions, speaking to them respectfully, and providing for their needs when they are unable to do so themselves. Inwardly, it involves holding them in high esteem, being grateful for all they have done, and forgiving them for any mistakes or wrongs they may have committed in the past.
Honouring one's parents is not only a moral obligation but also has practical benefits. Children who are raised to respect and honour their parents are more likely to develop positive relationships with authority figures and to show respect and kindness to others. It also helps to build strong family bonds and fosters a sense of community and interconnectedness.
This is the only commandment that comes with a promise of blessing Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother, that you may live a long time in the land the Lord your God is giving to you.
St Paul expounds further in Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
In societies throughout the world, it is the norm to respect the aged, revering them both for their contribution to society and acknowledging that eventually we will be numbered among them. They have given us the gift of life, and indeed while they do that, many abscond the duties that come with giving that life. We are asked to be forgiving. The parable of the unmerciful servant comes to the fore; how can we hold a grudge against a parent, when we look upon the Lord to forgive our daily innumerable trespasses?
I sympathize with Children, now adults, who were exasperated, abandoned, ignored and the like, however, I ask that you harbour no ill will. I can understand not wanting to associate with irresponsible parents, irresponsible in a myriad of ways, but if they come to you, find a way to express charity; your reward for this act of mercy will be great indeed. You need not welcome them into your home or life, but let your charity make their lives comfortable if you are able to.
5. You shall not kill
The commandment, in its original Hebrew form, is often translated as "you shall not murder" or "you shall not commit murder." This distinction is important because the commandment is not a blanket prohibition on all forms of killing. Rather, it is a prohibition on the intentional, unjustified taking of another human life.
This commandment has been interpreted by religious scholars and leaders as a foundational principle of morality and ethics. It is widely recognized as a universal principle that applies to all human beings, regardless of their religious or cultural background.
The prohibition on killing is based on the idea that human life is sacred and should be protected. It is a recognition that every person has inherent value and dignity, and that taking a life unjustly is a grave violation of that value and dignity.
In addition to its religious significance, the commandment has also been incorporated into secular law and legal systems around the world. The prohibition on murder is a fundamental principle of criminal law, and the intentional killing of another person is universally recognized as a serious crime.
Forty - Jacob recognizing the robe of his son Joseph Gen 37:33-36
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6. You shall not commit adultery
Adultery is defined as voluntary sexual intercourse between a married person and someone who is not their spouse. The prohibition on adultery is based on the belief that marriage is a sacred covenant between two people, and that sexual intimacy is meant to be shared exclusively within the context of that covenant.
The commandment is not only a prohibition on the physical act of sexual infidelity but also on the desire or intention to commit adultery. This means that even thoughts or fantasies about engaging in extramarital affairs are considered a violation.
The prohibition of adultery is seen as a fundamental principle of moral and ethical behaviour in many religious and cultural traditions. It reflects a belief in the importance of fidelity, trust, and commitment in intimate relationships, and a recognition of the harm that infidelity can cause to individuals and families.
In addition to its religious significance, the prohibition has been incorporated into secular law and legal systems around the world. Adultery is often considered a ground for divorce, and in some countries, it is a criminal offense.
Christian Religious thinking, has extended the commandment to include premarital sex also known as fornication. Sexual intercourse is to be avoided outside of marriage, and young potential lovers are encouraged to wait until marriage. The essence is that the primary objective of intimacy is not just sensuality, but also to be open to procreation. It is also considered a form of protection for women and young girls in particular, against men whose only objective is sensuality without any desire for the responsibility that comes with it.
Overall, the commandment reflects a fundamental respect for the sanctity of marriage and the importance of fidelity. It is a moral and ethical principle that is valued across cultures and religions and is recognized as a fundamental element of personal and social responsibility.
7. You shall not steal
The prohibition on stealing is based on the belief that every person has a right to their own property, and that taking someone else's property without permission is a violation of that right. It is a recognition that stealing causes harm to others, and that it is fundamentally wrong to take something that does not belong to you.
The commandment applies to all forms of theft, whether it is taking physical property, intellectual property, or other forms of assets. It also applies to fraudulent activities, such as embezzlement, identity theft, and deception.
The prohibition is also linked to broader ethical principles, such as honesty, integrity, and respect for others. It reflects a belief in the importance of treating others with fairness and respect, and a recognition that taking something that does not belong to you is a violation of those principles. The commandment is a moral and ethical principle that is valued across cultures and religions. It reflects a fundamental respect for the property rights of others, and a commitment to personal and social responsibility. It is recognized as a cornerstone of ethical behaviour, and is essential to maintaining the trust and integrity of individuals and communities.
8. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor
This commandment is considered a foundational principle of ethics and morality in many cultures. At its core, it prohibits the act of giving false testimony or making false accusations against another person. This means that one should not deliberately lie or deceive others in a way that could harm their reputation or cause them to suffer unjustly (slander). The commandment applies to all forms of communication, including spoken words, written statements, and even nonverbal actions.
There are several reasons why it's considered a serious moral offence. Firstly, it undermines the justice system through wrongful convictions or acquittals. Secondly, it harms the reputation of the person being accused, causing them to suffer unjustly. Finally, it can create discord and conflict within communities and destroy trust between individuals.
Overall, the commandment serves as an important reminder of the importance of truth, justice, and respect for others in our personal and professional lives.
9. You shall not covet your neighbour's wife
In essence, this commandment prohibits a person from desiring, lusting after, or harbouring inappropriate thoughts or intentions towards another person's spouse. It is a call to respect the sanctity of marriage and to honour the commitment that two individuals have made to each other.
The prohibition is not limited to the physical act but also includes the mental or emotional desire. This means that even if a person does not act on their desires, simply having such thoughts or feelings is considered a violation. This commandment applies equally to all genders; sin is not restricted to any particular gender :)
On the issue of emotional or mental desire, indeed as far as one can, this should be avoided. I do however think that the greater sin is to act on the desire.
The importance of the commandment stems from the sanctity of marriage and the family unit. Marriage is seen as a sacred covenant between two people that is meant to last a lifetime. Coveting another person's spouse can lead to the breakdown of marriages and families, which can have far-reaching negative consequences for society as a whole.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's goods
In essence, this commandment prohibits a person from desiring, coveting, or envying another person's possessions, property, or wealth. It is a call to respect the property rights of others and to be content with what one has. The prohibition is not limited to physical possessions but also includes other forms of wealth such as reputation, status, and power; the prohibition thus extends to both material and intangible possessions.
The commandment is rooted in the importance of contentment and gratitude. By coveting what another person has, a person is essentially expressing dissatisfaction with what they have been given in life. This can lead to jealousy, envy, and resentment, which can be harmful to one's relationships and overall well-being (remember Just Abel and wicked Cain).
In summary, the commandment is a call to respect the property rights of others and to be content with what one has. It serves as a reminder to individuals to cultivate gratitude and avoid envy and jealousy.
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