Discover the Ten Commandments God gave Moses, with Bible verses, moral lessons, and their impact on Christian living in today's world.
How Many Commandments Did God Give Moses?
Answer:
God gave Ten Commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments serve as a divine moral framework for humanity, given to Israel and relevant for all who seek to live righteously.
The Ten Commandments: Full List with Bible Verses
- You shall have no other gods before Me.
Exodus 20:3 – “You shall have no other gods before Me.” - You shall not make for yourself an idol or worship them.
Exodus 20:4-5 – “You shall not make for yourself an image… You shall not bow down to them or worship them.” - You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
Exodus 20:7 – “The Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exodus 20:8-11 – “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God.” - Honor your father and your mother.
Exodus 20:12 – “Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long…” - You shall not murder.
Exodus 20:13 – “You shall not murder.” - You shall not commit adultery.
Exodus 20:14 – “You shall not commit adultery.” - You shall not steal.
Exodus 20:15 – “You shall not steal.” - You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Exodus 20:16 – “You shall not give false testimony…” - You shall not covet.
Exodus 20:17 – “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house… wife… or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Deep Teachings of the Ten Commandments
1–4: Our Relationship with God
- Commandments 1–4 deal with how we relate to God—worship, reverence, and spiritual devotion.
- These teach monotheism, faithfulness, and rest in God's presence.
5–10: Our Relationship with Others
- Commandments 5–10 focus on how we treat others—honor, respect, integrity, and contentment.
- They lay the foundation for social justice, family structure, and community peace.
Jesus' Fulfillment and Summary
Jesus didn't abolish the law but fulfilled it (Matthew 5:17). He summed up the Ten Commandments into two:
Moral Lessons from the Ten Commandments
- God desires first place in our hearts.
- Worship should be pure and free of idols.
- Respecting God's name reflects our reverence.
- Rest and worship are part of God's design.
- Family honor promotes generational blessings.
- Life is sacred and must be protected.
- Faithfulness in marriage pleases God.
- Integrity in possessions builds trust.
- Truthfulness strengthens society.
- Contentment brings peace of mind.
Advantages of Obeying the Ten Commandments
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Spiritual alignment | Keeps you in right standing with God. |
| Divine favor | Obedience opens doors to blessings. (Deuteronomy 28:1–14) |
| Peace and order | Promotes personal and social stability. |
| Blessed relationships | Respect, truth, and loyalty build trust. |
| Long life | Honoring parents leads to extended years. (Exodus 20:12) |
Disadvantages of Disobeying the Ten Commandments
| Disadvantage | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Spiritual disconnection | Sin separates from God. (Isaiah 59:2) |
| Judgment | Disobedience invites curses. (Deuteronomy 28:15–68) |
| Broken relationships | Lies, theft, and adultery destroy trust. |
| Emotional turmoil | Guilt, shame, and fear result from sin. |
| Legal and social trouble | Many commandments align with civil law. |
Conclusion:
God gave Moses Ten Commandments as a moral compass for life. They are not just ancient laws but living principles for our spiritual, social, and moral development. When you obey them, you align with God’s design for a fulfilled and peaceful life.