Question 1

What are the main ideas in the Ten Commandments in this passage?

Accepted Answer

This passage starts with God reminding Israel that He brought them out of slavery, then gives ten clear commands. The first part is about their relationship with God: no other gods, no idols, do not misuse His name, and remember the Sabbath day as holy. The second part is about life with others: honour parents, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not lie about others, and do not covet anything that belongs to your neighbour. Together they show love for God and love for neighbour.

Question 2

What does “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” mean?

Accepted Answer

“No other gods before me” means God must have first and only place as God in a person’s heart and life. Israel lived among nations that had many gods, but the true God tells them they must not set up, trust, or worship any rival. “Before me” points out that nothing is hidden from Him. Even if a person bows to other things in secret, God sees it. This command calls for exclusive loyalty, not sharing devotion with idols, people, or anything else that takes God’s place.

Question 3

Why does God forbid making and bowing to graven images?

Accepted Answer

God forbids carved images for worship because He cannot be rightly pictured or reduced to anything in creation. When people make an image and bow to it, they turn from the living God to something made by human hands. The command says not to make an image or bow down or serve it. God calls Himself a jealous God, meaning He guards His honour and does not share His worship with idols. He warns of harm that spreads through generations when families hate Him, but shows mercy to thousands who love Him and keep His commands.

Question 4

What does it mean to take the name of the Lord in vain?

Accepted Answer

Taking God’s name in vain means using His name in an empty, careless, or false way. That can include swearing falsely by His name, using it lightly in speech, or claiming to speak or promise in His name without truth or seriousness. The passage warns that God will not hold a person guiltless who does this. His name stands for who He is, so respecting His name shows respect for Him. This command calls for our words about God to be honest, thoughtful, and full of reverence, not thrown around as if they were nothing.

Question 5

Why did God command a Sabbath day of rest?

Accepted Answer

God commands Israel to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy by resting from work and setting the day apart for Him. He gives a reason from creation: in six days He made heaven, earth, and sea, and rested the seventh day. So He blessed and made that day special. The command reaches the whole household, including servants and even animals, showing that rest is for all under their care. It is meant as a regular pause from ordinary labour to honour God, think on His works, and trust His provision rather than constant striving.

Question 6

What does “Honour thy father and thy mother” involve?

Accepted Answer

Honouring father and mother means more than just polite words. It includes respect, obedience, and care for parents, and by extension, for all who have rightful authority over us. The command comes with a promise that their days may be long in the land God gives. This ties family life to God’s blessing. In practice, honouring parents means listening to them, speaking respectfully, supporting them when they are in need, and not despising their role. It shows that God cares how children and all under authority respond to those He has placed over them.

Question 7

How do the commands about murder, adultery, and theft guide everyday life?

Accepted Answer

“Thou shalt not kill” protects human life, calling people to value and guard their neighbour’s life instead of harming it. “Thou shalt not commit adultery” protects marriage and sexual purity in heart, words, and actions. “Thou shalt not steal” protects another person’s goods and calls us to respect and, as far as we can, help preserve what belongs to them. These commands are not only about avoiding big crimes, but about a way of living that cares for others’ lives, relationships, and property rather than using or damaging them for selfish gain.

Question 8

What does it mean not to bear false witness against your neighbour?

Accepted Answer

Not bearing false witness means refusing to lie about another person, especially in ways that harm them. It includes giving truthful testimony, not spreading false stories, and not twisting facts to damage someone’s name or protect ourselves. The positive side is to guard and advance our neighbour’s good name, speaking truth and being fair. Since God is a God of truth, this command reflects His character. Our words have power to help or hurt, so He calls His people to honesty in court, in conversation, and in every setting where another’s reputation is at stake.

Question 9

Why is the command against coveting different from the others?

Accepted Answer

The command against coveting reaches into the desires of the heart. It names specific things, like a neighbour’s house, wife, servants, or animals, and then adds “or any thing that is thy neighbour’s.” Unlike commands about outward acts, this one says you must not even wish for what belongs to someone else in a way that resents their good. It shows that God cares not only about what we do, but also about what we secretly want. By addressing inner desire, this command exposes greed and envy and calls for contentment with what God has given.

Exodus 20:1

And God spake all these words, saying,

The Ten Commandments

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Exodus 20:1

And God spake all these words, saying,

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The Ten Commandments

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