What’s wrong with the Ten Commandments?

Exodus 20:1-17

The ten commandments are divided into two groups.  (1) Verse 1-11 - our relationship with God and (2) Verse 12-17 - our relationship with each other.

The commandments of God concerning our relationship with each other.

Verse 12 is command # 5 – honor thy father and mother.  There is nothing wrong with doing this, and the person that does this receives the promise of living long on the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Verse 13 is command # 6 – thou shall not kill. This is talking about not murdering.

1.       No talking about killing in war – because God commanded Israel not only to kill all the military of their enemies, but also to kill all the civilians of their enemies.  This reveals that God gives government the power (authority) to take the lives of those that disobey the clear commands of God.

2. Not talking about capital punishment because God commands death for those who commit murder (laying in wait), rape, or disobeying the righteous order of a judge.
3. Not talking about the killing of animals because God commanded animal sacrifice and supplied animals for food.

Verse 14 is command # 7 – thou shall not commit adultery. This is good because it establishes the sanctify of the home and the relationship between husband and wife.

Verse 15 is command # 8 – Thou shall not steal.  This is good because it provides protection to anyone who owns anything.  The penalty for stealing is that the thief would repay (to the victim) at least double what he stole if the thief was a personal item, but up to five times if the thief was what the victim used to make a living.

Verse 16 is command # 9 – Thou shall not bear false witness.  This is good because you could believe what a person said.

Verse 17 is command # 10 – Thou shalt not covet.  This is good because it affects what and how a person thinks.  It was this command that convinced Paul (Romans 7:7) that it was lust to covet what another person had.  We ought to be glad when our neighbors get new things, and not jealous.

If there is nothing wrong with all these last 6 commands, why do some folks not want the ten commandments posted or referred to at all?  Why do they reject the ten commandments?

The answer is found in verse 2.  These commands are the words of the God of Israel.  This is the God that gave us Jesus Christ, as Jesus is the Son of the God of Israel.

Rev. 12:5 – “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne.”

Luke 19:14  is what is happening.  “But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.”  People who don’t want to obey the ten commandments don’t want Christ to reign over them.

Verse 3 is the first command – Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Verse 4-6 is the second command – Don’t make any graven images.

Verse 7 is the third command – don’t take the name of the Lord, thy God in vain.

Verse 8-11 is the fourth command – Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.