The Ten Commandments Retold

Click here to read Deuteronomy 5.

Chapter 5 records the second edition of the 10 commandments. A comparison of the two shows some differences. In Exodus, the first edition, the commandments were referred to as "The Law". Here, they are referred to as a "Covenant" between God and His people. In Exodus, the reason for rest on the 7th. Day, was the "work of creation", here, the reason is the "work of bondage" in Egypt. Added to the 5th. Commandment in the second edition, "Honor thy father and mother", was added, "that it may go well with thee".

Here we have the second edition of the 10 commandments:

1. You shall not have any other gods before me.
2. You shall not make any graven image of anything that is in heaven or that is on earth. This is a commandment with a "threat" and a "promises: Break this commandment and God will send His judgment down upon you and your children to the 3rd and 4th generations. Keep this commandment, and God will show His steadfast love.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord, thy God, in vain.
4. Observe the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. You shall not kill.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife or anything he owns.

Notice here, the commandments are referred to as a covenant made, not only with their parents at Mt. Sinai, but also with the present and future generations.

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