MPV Commentary

The Ten Commandments.

1. God spoke all these words Himself (De 5:12, 32, 33), in a voice so loud and clear that it could be heard by everyone standing in the valleys below, amidst the most intense natural phenomena. This was not just a rational address to intelligent creatures but a declaration to those who were also fallen and sinful, requiring a corresponding change in God's manner of speaking to convey the character and consequences of the law (Ro 11:5-9).

2. I am the Lord your God - this introduction precedes the ten commandments, with the latter clause specifically applying to the Israelites while the former applies to all humanity. This establishes that the reasonableness of the law is based on our eternal relationship as creatures to our Creator and our mutual relationships with each other.

3. You shall have no other gods before me - in my presence, beside, or except for me.

4-5. You shall not make any graven image... you shall not bow down to them - making an image was not inherently sinful; it was the intention to give idolatrous worship that made it wrong. Even under Moses' leadership, figures of cherubim and other things were created without being condemned, as long as they were not intended for idolatrous purposes.

8. Remember the sabbath day - implying it was already known and recognized as a season of sacred rest. The first four commandments (Ex 20:3-11) concern our duties to God, while the other six (Ex 20:12-17) concern our duties to fellow humans. As interpreted by Christ, they extend to governing both heart and lip (Mt 5:17). "If a man does them he shall live in them" (Le 18:5; Ne 9:29), but alas, what an if for frail and fallen humanity! Whoever relies on the law stands indebted to it all, and without "the Lord our Righteousness" (Jer 23:6; 33:16) (Joh 1:17), every person would be without hope.

18-21. All the people saw the thunderings and lightnings - they were eyewitnesses of the awe-inspiring signs of God's presence. However, they did not perceive God Himself.

19. Let us not hear from God lest we die, &c. - the phenomena of thunder and lightning had been a plague in Egypt, and as they heard God speaking to them now, they feared instant death. Even Moses, the mediator of the old covenant, was deeply shaken (Heb 12:21). But God spoke words that gave him relief, restoring him to a state of mind suitable for his role; hence, he immediately comforted them with the same relief and comfort he had received from God (2Co 1:4).

22-23. The Lord said unto Moses - this instruction was concluded from the scene on Sinai, where no similitude of God was displayed; therefore, they should not attempt to make any visible figure or form of Him.

24. An altar of earth you shall make unto me - a regulation applicable to special or temporary occasions.

25. You shall not build it of hewn stone... that is, carved with figures and ornaments leading to superstition.

26. By steps - a precaution taken for decency's sake, due to the loose, wide garments worn by the priests.