The Ten Commandments

What it means

God introduces himself as the Lord who brought Israel out of Egypt and out of slavery, and only then says they shall have no other gods before him. Rescue comes before requirement.

Why every Christian should know it

It sets the shape of all biblical obedience: God saves, and then he commands. Learn the order and the law stops sounding like a way of earning his favour.

Cross references

• Deuteronomy 5:6-7
• Exodus 20:4-6
• 1 John 4:19

Pray it back

Lord, you rescued me before you asked anything of me. Let no rival hold my heart.

What it means

Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord gives you. Paul calls this the first commandment with a promise attached.

Why every Christian should know it

It shows the commandments reaching into ordinary households, not only into worship, and it is the hinge between the commands about God and those about neighbours.

Cross references

• Ephesians 6:2-3
• Deuteronomy 5:16
• Mark 7:10-13

Pray it back

Father, teach me to honour those who raised me, in the way my situation allows.

What it means

Jesus says the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul and mind, and the second is to love your neighbour as yourself, and that on these two the whole law and the prophets depend. He is quoting Deuteronomy and Leviticus rather than replacing them.

Why every Christian should know it

It gives you the summary Jesus himself provided, which keeps the commandments from becoming a checklist and keeps love from becoming vague.

Cross references

• Deuteronomy 6:5
• Leviticus 19:18
• Romans 13:9-10

Pray it back

Lord, bend my heart toward you and my hands toward my neighbour.