The Ten Commandments: Their Origin, Purpose, and Duration
The Ten Commandments: Their Origin, Purpose, and Duration
The Ten Commandments stand as one of the most universally recognized and influential codes of moral and spiritual conduct in human history. Given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai, these commandments have transcended time and culture, shaping legal systems, ethical frameworks, and religious practice across generations. To fully understand their enduring significance, it is essential to examine their origin, purpose, and duration according to the Bible and theological understanding.
Origin of the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, also known as the Decalogue, were given by God to the people of Israel after their exodus from slavery in Egypt. This momentous event is recorded in Exodus 20:1–17 and reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:6–21. The setting was Mount Sinai, a sacred mountain where God established His covenant with the newly freed Hebrew people.
According to Exodus 31:18, the commandments were written “with the finger of God” on two tablets of stone. This divine authorship sets them apart from all other human codes or moral philosophies. These commandments were not merely ideas conveyed through a prophet but were directly inscribed by God Himself, signifying their divine origin and authority.
Furthermore, the commandments were placed inside the Ark of the Covenant (Deuteronomy 10:1–5), indicating their central place in Israel's worship and covenant relationship with God. Unlike civil laws that could change based on circumstance or government, these divine laws were intended to be permanent and binding.
Purpose of the Ten Commandments
The purpose of the Ten Commandments is both spiritual and practical. At their core, they serve as a moral compass for human conduct, revealing God’s standard for righteous living. The commandments are divided into two sections: the first four deal with humanity’s relationship with God, and the last six focus on relationships between people.
To Reveal God's Character: The commandments reflect God's holiness, justice, and love. For example, the command to honor the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8–11) reflects God's role as Creator and Sustainer. The call not to bear false witness (Exodus 20:16) demonstrates His desire for truth and justice.
To Provide Moral Clarity: The commandments give clear guidance on right and wrong. In a world full of moral confusion, the Decalogue stands as a fixed point of reference. While cultures may shift their moral values, God’s laws remain constant.
To Foster Covenant Relationship: The commandments were part of God's covenant with Israel, a chosen people set apart to demonstrate His principles to the nations (Exodus 19:5–6). Obedience to these commandments was an act of love and loyalty, not a means of earning salvation.
To Convict of Sin: In the New Testament, the apostle Paul explains in Romans 7:7, “I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law.” The commandments reveal human sinfulness and our need for a Savior. They act like a mirror, reflecting our moral condition.
To Promote Social Order: Commands such as “Do not murder” or “Do not steal” (Exodus 20:13,15) form the backbone of legal systems around the world. These laws promote justice, peace, and respect in society.
Duration of the Ten Commandments
The duration of the Ten Commandments has been the subject of much theological debate, especially in the context of the Old and New Covenants. Some argue that the commandments were abolished with the coming of Christ, while others believe they remain binding for Christians today. A careful study of Scripture reveals that the Ten Commandments are enduring and applicable across all ages.
An Eternal Moral Law: While the ceremonial laws given to Israel—such as animal sacrifices and temple rituals—were fulfilled in Christ, the moral law expressed in the Ten Commandments is not abolished. Jesus declared in Matthew 5:17, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” He went on to explain and deepen the meaning of the commandments in the Sermon on the Mount.
Written in Stone: The fact that God wrote the commandments on stone signifies permanence. While other laws were written in books or on scrolls, only the Ten Commandments were inscribed by God’s own hand (Exodus 31:18). This symbolic act underscores their unchanging nature.
Affirmed by Jesus: Jesus repeatedly affirmed the commandments in His teachings. When asked which commandment was the greatest, He summarized the law in two principles—love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:36–40). These summaries reflect the two tables of the Ten Commandments. Moreover, in John 14:15, Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
Reflected in New Testament Writings: The apostles continued to reference the Ten Commandments as a moral standard for believers. In Romans 13:8–10, Paul lists several commandments and concludes that “love is the fulfillment of the law.” The book of James calls the Ten Commandments the “law of liberty” (James 2:12), and warns against breaking even one of them.
Found in Revelation: In the end-time prophecies of Revelation, God’s faithful people are described as those who “keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12). This indicates that God’s moral law remains valid even in the final judgment.
Conclusion
The Ten Commandments are not relics of an ancient past but a living expression of God's will for humanity. Their origin is divine, inscribed by God Himself. Their purpose is to guide, protect, and transform, revealing our need for Christ and helping us walk in love and truth. Their duration is eternal, continuing to shape lives and societies under the New Covenant.
Far from being obsolete, the Ten Commandments remain relevant today. They call believers to holy living, honest relationships, and wholehearted love for God and others. When understood through the lens of grace and fulfilled in Christ, they become not a burden, but a blessing—a path to true freedom and peace. As David wrote in Psalm 19:7, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”
Martin J. Cheney
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