I recently was sharing some facts about the Ten Commandments and began by asking the group if anyone could name all 10. This list of commands used to be posted in the public schools, churches, court houses and many other public displays. It is hard to find a place that has this list in public today. This list of moral standards is worth sharing and knowing.

The Ten Commandments, a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian ethics, continue to shape moral thought and practice. Delivered to Moses over 3.500 years ago, these commandments summaries God’s moral law, forming the foundation of Israel’s covenant with Him. Yet, despite their long standing influence, many people are unaware of the rich history and significance surrounding the Ten Commandments, which were given at a pivotal moment in the Israelites’ journey from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the wilderness.

The Israelites had been wandering in the wilderness for three months before Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. This was a defining moment in their history, marking the establishment of a formal covenant between God and His people. The commandments were given after the Israelites had left Egypt, making this one of the first sets of laws specifically directed to them as a nation. In contrast, earlier figures like Adam, Noah, and Abraham had their own relationships with God, but they did not receive the Ten Commandments. These laws were distinct, outlining how God’s people were to live in a way that reflected His holiness.

The Ten Commandments were not written by Moses but were inscribed by God Himself. Exodus 31:18 tells us that the commandments were “written with the finger of God.” These were not mere human creations but divine instructions meant to guide every aspect of life. Interestingly, there were originally two sets of stone tablets. The first set was broken by Moses in anger after seeing the Israelites worshiping a golden calf in his absence. God instructed Moses to carve out a second set, which he brought back up the mountain for God to write upon once more.

The commandments themselves are often referred to in the Bible as “the ten words” (or “Decalogue,” meaning “ten words” in Greek), not as “the Ten Commandments.” This term emphasizes their directness and simplicity, encapsulating God’s moral law in just ten short instructions. These commandments can be found in the Bible in two places: Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. These two texts recount the commandments with slight variations, showing their central role in the life of Israel and their lasting importance.

The Ten Commandments can be divided into two main sections. The first four commandments concern humanity’s relationship with God, and the remaining six focus on how individuals should treat each other. Jesus later distilled these commandments into two essential principles: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart” and “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-40). This distillation highlights that the essence of the Ten Commandments is love—love for God and love for others.

Notably, the Ten Commandments are not just religious directives; they are moral guidelines that transcend religious boundaries. They were meant to be written on the hearts of God’s people, a command to internalize and live by them daily. While the Ten Commandments were given specifically to the people of Israel, even Gentiles who joined the nation of Israel were expected to adhere to them. The commandments outline God’s character and values—qualities like justice, mercy, and the sanctity of life. They also define the moral and ethical behavior that would distinguish Israel from the nations around them.

One of the Ten Commandments, the fifth, comes with a specific blessing. It tells people to honor their parents, promising that they will enjoy long life as a result. This commandment underscores the importance of family and respect within society, showing that the health of a nation is linked to the well-being of its families. Another commandment that is frequently misunderstood is the third—”You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.” Many assume this only refers to swearing, but it extends to any misuse of God’s name, including using it in false oaths or empty declarations.

Interestingly, the sixth commandment—”You shall not murder”—is often cited in discussions about ethics. The Hebrew word used here, “murder,” refers specifically to unlawful killing. It does not extend to actions like war or capital punishment, which were addressed elsewhere in the Bible.

The Ten Commandments, while often considered a part of the Old Covenant, continue to have relevance today. They were restated in the New Testament, underscoring their enduring importance. However, the early Christians chose to observe the first day of the week, Sunday, as the day of worship, instead of the traditional Jewish Sabbath. In this way, they acknowledged the resurrection of Jesus Christ while still honoring the moral laws of the Ten Commandments.

The influence of the Ten Commandments extends far beyond the religious realm. They have shaped legal systems, cultural norms, and personal ethics worldwide. The idea of absolute moral laws, immutable and transcendent, is one that resonates with many, regardless of religious affiliation. Yet, their presence in the public sphere has also led to debates, especially in cases where people argue about their display on government property or their relevance in modern society.

In popular culture, the Ten Commandments have been portrayed in numerous films, documentaries, and commentaries. The most famous of these is Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 film The Ten Commandments, which remains a cinematic classic. Despite modern reinterpretations and occasional secular adaptations of the commandments, their core message endures: a moral code that governs both personal conduct and society at large.

Today, the Ten Commandments continue to serve as a vital moral framework. They challenge us to live not by the shifting standards of culture but by the timeless principles set forth by God. Whether displayed in public spaces, taught in schools, or written on the hearts of believers, the Ten Commandments remind us of the standards by which we are called to live.

Not only do they remind us of moral standards, they help us to live in a way that is honoring to God and to mankind.