Topical Bible: Decalogue: Written by God

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Decalogue" refers to the Ten Commandments, a foundational set of divine laws given by God to the people of Israel. The word "Decalogue" is derived from the Greek "deka" meaning "ten" and "logos" meaning "word," thus signifying the "Ten Words" or "Ten Sayings." These commandments are central to Judeo-Christian ethics and are considered a summary of God's moral law.

Biblical Context and Revelation

The Decalogue is recorded in two primary passages of the Old Testament: Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. According to the biblical narrative, the Ten Commandments were given to Moses on Mount Sinai after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. This event is described as a direct encounter with God, who spoke these words to Moses and inscribed them on two stone tablets.

Exodus 31:18 states, "When He had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God." This emphasizes the divine origin and authority of the Decalogue, underscoring that these commandments were not merely human constructs but were written by God Himself.

The Commandments

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.

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 holds a significant place in biblical theology as it encapsulates the covenantal relationship between God and His people. It serves as a moral compass, guiding believers in their conduct and devotion. The commandments are seen as a reflection of God's holy character and His expectations for human behavior.

In the New Testament, Jesus affirms the enduring relevance of the Decalogue. When asked about the greatest commandment, He summarizes the law with two principles: love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). This summary echoes the structure of the Ten Commandments, highlighting their continued importance in Christian ethics.

Cultural and Historical Impact

Throughout history, the Decalogue has influenced legal systems, ethical thought, and cultural norms. It has been a cornerstone of Western legal tradition and moral philosophy, shaping societal values and principles. The Ten Commandments have been displayed in various public and private settings, symbolizing their enduring legacy and influence.

The Decalogue remains a vital component of Christian teaching and practice, serving as a guide for righteous living and a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness.

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Exodus 24:12
And the LORD said to Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give you tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that you may teach them.
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Exodus 31:18
And he gave to Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him on mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.
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Exodus 32:16
And the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven on the tables.
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Deuteronomy 5:22
These words the LORD spoke to all your assembly in the mount out of the middle of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them to me.
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Deuteronomy 9:10
And the LORD delivered to me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spoke with you in the mount out of the middle of the fire in the day of the assembly.
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Hosea 8:12
I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.
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Library

The Decalogue: I --Man and God
... not regard the Decalogue as binding on us because given to Israel; but we do regard
it as containing laws universally binding, which are written by God's finger ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the decalogue iman and god.htm

Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Formulated?
... Objection 5: Further, all the commandments of God should be ... in the memory: for it
is written (Prov.3 ... it seems that the precepts of the decalogue are unsuitably ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the precepts of the 3.htm

Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Set Forth?
... Secondly, it may be answered that the precepts of the decalogue are those which
the people received from God immediately; wherefore it is written (Dt.10:4 ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the precepts of the 2.htm

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... men." [3994] But the righteous fathers had the meaning of the Decalogue written
in their hearts and souls, [3995] that is, they loved the God who made them ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm

Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Suitably Distinguished ...
... to the decalogue. Secondly, because, since it is written (Mat.6:24), "No man can
serve two masters," the two statements, "I am the Lord thy God," and, "Thou ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the precepts of the.htm

How the Decalogue Kills, if Grace be not Present.
... statement all the clearer, let us look at the Decalogue itself. ... that he might deliver
it to the people, written on tables of stone by the finger of God. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 23 xiv how the decalogue.htm

Whether the Third Precept of the Decalogue, Concerning the ...
... for forty days unto the mount of God, Horeb, must ... Again it is written (Lk.13:15):
"Doth not every ... it is unfittingly placed among the precepts of the decalogue. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the third precept of.htm

At First God Deemed it Sufficient to Inscribe the Natural Law, or ...
... in mankind, that is, by means of the Decalogue (which, if any ... But God turned, and
gave them up to worship the hosts of heaven; as it is written in the book ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xv at first god deemed.htm

Gnostic Exposition of the Decalogue.
... Let the Decalogue be set forth cursorily by us as a specimen for gnostic exposition. ...
And if the tables that were written were the work of God, they will be ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xvi gnostic exposition of the.htm

Whether the Precepts of the Decalogue are Dispensable?
... Now our superiors are God's viceregents on earth; for the ... of the Sabbath is ordained
by a precept of the decalogue. ... in this precept; for it is written (1:Macc.2 ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the precepts of the 4.htm