Where did the Ten Commandments begin? According to the Bible, the Ten Commandments were given to Moses by God while Moses was on Mount Sinai. Upon coming down the mountain to see his people and deliver the commandments, Moses saw that the people had “defiled” themselves, and created a golden calf for worship, and placed it in an altar. Moses, disheartened and angry, broke the tablets on which the Ten Commandments were written.
God gave him another chance and offered to write the Commandments again. This time, Moses took the commandments and placed them in the Ark of the Covenant. The Ten Commandments were recorded in Exodus and Deuteronomy, and though some religious beliefs see more or less than ten, the basic Christian teachings come down to the following:
1. I am the Lord Thy God, and you shall have no other Gods before me.
2. Though shalt not create or worship an idol or graven image.
3. Though shalt never take the Lord’s name in vain
4. Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it Holy
5. Honor thy mother and thy father.
6. Thou shalt not murder.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.
10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife.
Though the Ten Commandments appear in the Old Testament, Jesus referenced a few of them in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Matthew. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (from Matthew 22:34-40)
Though many religions see the Ten Commandments differently, most of them are in firm agreement that the commandments are a good guide to living a moral life free of wrongs. By following the ten commandments in your day to day life, you are creating a good example for all those you meet, and keeping God’s teachings close to your heart.
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