The Ten Words

"God spoke all these words" (Exodus 20:1). The Ten Words, commonly called the Ten Commandments, were the core of Yahweh's covenant with Israel. In them, the children of Israel found what their God desired and what He required for them to be blessed and cared for. Like a contract today, they begin by stating who is speaking and by what authority: "I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" (Exodus 20:2). Paul reminds us that "the law is good, if a person uses it lawfully" (1 Timothy 1:8). This section looks at the ten sins declared in the Ten Words, each with its own category: Polytheism, Idolatry, Blasphemy, Profanity, Disrespect, Murder, Fornication, Theft, Lying and Envy. Some have full studies, such as "Idolatry's Core" and "Irreverence," while others introduce the commandment itself. Together they show God's heart and our need for His mercy. Choose a commandment to begin.