The term "Decalogue" refers to the Ten Commandments, a foundational set of divine laws given by God to the people of Israel through Moses. These commandments are central to the moral and spiritual life of the Israelites and have had a profound influence on Christian ethics and Western legal systems. The Decalogue is also known as the "Words of the Covenant," highlighting its role as a covenantal agreement between God and His people.

Biblical Context and Origin

The Decalogue is recorded in two primary passages in the Old Testament: Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. The setting for the giving of the Ten Commandments is Mount Sinai, where God delivered these laws to Moses amidst thunder, lightning, and the sound of a trumpet, signifying the divine authority and solemnity of the occasion.

In Exodus 34:28, the Decalogue is explicitly referred to as the "Words of the Covenant": "So he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights, without eating bread or drinking water. And he wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments" . This passage underscores the covenantal nature of the Decalogue, as it was inscribed on stone tablets by the finger of God (Exodus 31:18).

Structure and Content

The Ten Commandments are traditionally divided into two sections: the first four commandments focus on the relationship between God and humanity, while the last six address interpersonal relationships among people. This division reflects the dual emphasis on loving God and loving one's neighbor, which Jesus later affirmed as the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40).

1. No Other Gods: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3).
2. No Idols: "You shall not make for yourself an idol" (Exodus 20:4).
3. God's Name in Vain: "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain" (Exodus 20:7).
4. Sabbath Day: "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Exodus 20:8).
5. Honor Parents: "Honor your father and your mother" (Exodus 20:12).
6. No Murder: "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13).
7. No Adultery: "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14).
8. No Stealing: "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15).
9. No False Witness: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor" (Exodus 20:16).
10. No Coveting: "You shall not covet" (Exodus 20:17).

Theological Significance

The Decalogue serves as a summary of God's moral law and is integral to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. It establishes the principles of worship, justice, and community life that are essential for maintaining a holy and righteous society. The commandments are not merely legalistic rules but are intended to guide the hearts and actions of believers toward a life that reflects God's holiness and love.

In the New Testament, the Decalogue continues to hold significance as Jesus and the apostles reaffirm its moral teachings. The Apostle Paul, for instance, echoes the commandments in his epistles, emphasizing their enduring relevance for Christian conduct (Romans 13:8-10).

Covenantal Role

The designation of the Decalogue as the "Words of the Covenant" underscores its role as a binding agreement between God and His people. It is a testament to God's desire for a relationship with humanity, characterized by obedience, reverence, and love. The covenantal aspect of the Decalogue is further highlighted by the renewal of the covenant in Deuteronomy, where Moses reiterates the commandments to a new generation of Israelites before they enter the Promised Land.

The Decalogue remains a cornerstone of Judeo-Christian ethics, serving as a timeless guide for righteous living and a reflection of God's unchanging character.Exodus 34:28
And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote on the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 4:13
And he declared to you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments; and he wrote them on two tables of stone.
Nave's Topical Index

Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Set Forth?
... as He had written before, the ten words, which the ... and, consequently, they are not
contained in the decalogue. ... that of the Creation, which was called to mind ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the precepts of the 2.htm

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of ... did speak
in His own person to all alike the words of the Decalogue; and therefore ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm

What did Moses Write?
... One of these also is a law of the Decalogue itself. ... What is called the Canon of the
Old Testament had not yet ... with them, but that he wrote all the words of the ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter ii what did moses.htm

Covenant Duties.
... "And he wrote upon the tables the words of the ... men, being in accordance with the
decalogue, or forming ... of kings and priests, chosen, and called, and consecrated ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iv covenant duties.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xvii. 21, "How Oft Shall My ...
... thousand talents." This is that memorable Decalogue written by ... Let us reprove with
words, and if need be ... account let that surgeon's treatment be called cruelty ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxiii on the words.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... is enjoined in the first three precepts of the decalogue. ... himself, in an extraordinary
manner, called Abraham once ... But for disobeying the words of that Covenant ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

Exodus
... follows the other version of the decalogue already referred ... of the Covenant, as it
is called, is a ... the laws state, in the briefest possible words, the official ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/exodus.htm

Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
... The performance of it is inculcated in the decalogue. ... many respects, he is required,
nay in these words he is ... the discharge of all duty, he is called to follow ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ix covenanting sanctioned by.htm

Elucidations.
... p.443), I must here translate a few words from Philo ... He says, "Before Abram was called,
such was his name ... merely, and not images in the sense of the Decalogue. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the stromata or miscellanies/elucidations 5.htm

God's People Delivered.
... there are seen the precepts of the decalogue, traced as ... Says Jesus: "I have called,
and ye refused; I ... come to their minds the Sufferer's words, when, adjured ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

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