So we now come to the Ten Commandments. As with everything, context should govern all our understanding, but this is especially important when we are considering the question of law. “And this is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel . . .” (Dt. 4:44-5:33).
We have to understand the grace of law. The second large section of Deuteronomy begins here (v. 44). Moses gives the people law (teaching), testimonies (covenant stipulations), statutes (various laws written or inscribed), and judgments (decisions handed down by a judge). These words are all delivered in the land taken from Sihon and Og, on the edge of Canaan (vv. 46-49).
Moses emphasizes convenant continuity. He tells the people to hear what he teaches them (v. 1). He gives this teaching because they were both there and not there. Moses uses strong overstatement—your fathers were not there, and you were (vv. 2-3). There is also the element of covenant personalism; the exhortation is not to heed the Great Abstract Impersonal Code in the Sky. God talked with these people face to face (v. 4). The word was so personal, and so holy, that the people were afraid of it (v. 5). There was a close relation between redemption and law; when God spoke, He introduced His law by talking about His grace (v. 6). He brought them from the house of bondage; He was not, through giving this law, bringing them to the house of bondage.
What were the ten words?
First, there were to be no other gods. God requires that no other gods be set up in His presence to provoke Him (v. 7). This is not a requirement summoning us to philosophical monotheism; it is a command to worship Jehovah, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Cursed is the man who worships a god other than Him. Blessed is the man who serves the true God only.
Second, God’s people were prohibited from making any graven images. This command prohibits the making of images for worship (v. 8), and is not a prohibition of representational art generally. The consequences of idolatry flow downstream, two or three generations (v. 9). Obedience at this point is the heart of faithful covenantal succession (v. 10). The man who bows down to a created image hates his children. Cursed is the man who paints or carves an image to worship through. Blessed is the man who worships in the Word enfleshed.
Third, there is to be no misuse of the Name. We are not to bear or lift up the name of God to vanity (v. 11). This is not primarily about swearing or cussing, but rather about how we bear the name of God in our identity as His people. Cursed is the man who bears the name Christian in vanity. Blessed is the man who bears that name in honor.
Fourth, God bans ceaseless labor. God requires the sabbath day be set aside as holy (v. 12). Six days are for work (v. 13), but the seventh is for rest—for everyone in the household (v. 14). The reason given is not the creation, but rather their salvation from Egypt (v. 15). This points to a far greater Exodus coming in the future. Cursed is the man who sets aside the Lord’s Day as nothing. Blessed is the man who honors it in accordance with the Word.
Fifth, we must honor our parents. Here we find a command with a promise. Honor, give weight to, your parents (v. 16). Cursed is the man who despises his parents. Blessed is the man who honors them.
Sixth, there is to be no murder. God flatly prohibits murder (v. 17). We need not make this overly complex, as modern America with her abortion mills loves to do. Cursed is the man who sheds innocent blood. Blessed is the man who sees the image of God in man.
Seventh, God hates adultery. The marriage bed is to be honored, and God will judge the ones who dishonor it (v. 18). Cursed is the man who defiles the holiness of the sexual union. Blessed is the man who guards that blessing.
Eighth, the commandment prohibits theft. Just as marriage is assumed and protected by the previous commandment, so the reality of private property is assumed and protected by this one (v. 19). Cursed is the man who steals in any way. Blessed is the man who honors the possessions of others.
Ninth, all forms of false witness are excluded. At the same time, the central point here is to prohibit perjury, and the corruption of the courts (v. 20). Cursed is the man who twists the truth. Blessed is the man who speaks the truth.
And tenth, there is to be no covetousness. St. Paul tells us that covetousness is idolatry, which brings us full circle—back to the first commandment (v. 21). Cursed is the man who has to want. Blessed is the man who lives in contentment.
And God added no more (v. 22). The law was delivered on two tables to Moses (v. 22). When the people heard the voice of God, they were terrified and asked Moses to be their representative and to talk to God instead of them (vv. 23-27; 30-31). God said that this was good (v. 28). O for such a heart: God laments the fact that Israel will not continue in such godly fear (v. 29). If they only would, it would be well for them, and for their children, forever. Obedience does not veer off the path; it does not turn aside to the left or to the right (v. 32). Obedience walks in all God’s ways, and does so unto life (v. 33). The curse of the law, as Paul says, is a curse that comes from disobedience. The curious notion has gotten about that obedience kills. Only disobedience kills, and this of course drives us to the obedience of faith.