Deuteronomy 5:1-13, 16-21

When the children of Israel left the land of Egypt (Exodus 12:31- 36), they were not a nation. This looselyheld band of ex-slaves had a common ancestor — Israel (Genesis 32:28) as the means of tying them together. There were tribal leaders who seemed to have no real authority over those who were in their group. Thus, they were following the man, Moses, because he showed them evidence that the God of their fathers — Jehovah — had spoken to him.

This congregation needed to be formed into a nation. Genesis 17:4. As this group journeyed through the wilderness, they had the assurance of the constant help from God. Exodus 13:21, 22. When they came to the Red Sea, these people saw a great deliverance. Exodus 14:30, 31. Their physical needs were met with the daily supply of manna. Exodus 16:15.

When this group came to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1), Moses was given the assurance that had been promised. Exodus 3:12. At this mountain God met with his people. Exodus 19:11. The Ten Commandments were spoken to all the congregation. Exodus 20:1- 17.

This declaration by Jehovah to his people became the first phase of the setting up of a nation. These people now had their own set of laws, and God was the ruler of these people. Yes, later there would be human figures — men and women — who would be responsible for the administering of the divine laws. This system of government is now known as a theocracy — ruled by God. About 40 years after the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, the group came to the bank of the Jordan River that separated them from their former-slave status to inhabitants of the promised land.

Moses knew that he would not be the person to lead the group into that promised land. Before his death, he called all the nation together, and reviewed all of the laws that had been given. Deuteronomy 1:3. This "second law" was, simply, a short review of their history, and of all of the laws that had been given. Any consideration of these laws must include a review of the Ten Commandments. It is important for us to remember that none of these commandments have been amended nor deleted.

As we look at these laws from the past that continue to influence governments and societies in our day, we can conclude that they are two-directional — vertical and horizontal. The vertical laws regard the attitude of humans toward God, while the horizontal laws regard actions and attitudes of people toward each other.

These people who listened to the words of Moses were of the second generation. Some of these adults had been children when the group left their land of bondage. Most of these people had been born during the 40 years of wilderness wanderings. Thus, they had not heard the voice that proclaimed these great truths. Deuteronomy 5:6.

Their bordering countries had many gods. It was — and is — important for each person to guard against these outside influences. The first commandment addressed this fact. "Thou shalt have none other gods before me." Deuteronomy 5:7. The tendency of the human mind is to be like others. This mind-set does not belong to any person who will obey God.

Idols or images were representation of the gods in the lives of pagans. However, the command is quite clear — "Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth…" Deuteronomy 5:8. To disobey this command would bring personal judgment for generations to come. God will not tolerate any kind of religious rivalry. Deuteronomy 5:9. One is, also, commanded to guard speech regarding the name of God. "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain." Deuteronomy 5:11.

A day of rest has been declared by God. "Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee." Deuteronomy 5:12. At the time of the creation, this principle was established. Genesis 2:2. This command was to be applied to all who are part of the household. Deuteronomy 5:13-15.

The horizontal commandments begin with the home. "Honour thy father and thy mother…" Deuteronomy 5:16a. This command has a promise. Deuteronomy 5:16b.

It can be easy for a person who has a humanistic view of God to make a scripture say that which upholds his or her philosophy. The commandment, "Thou shalt not kill" (Deuteronomy 5:17) clearly shows personal motive. Thus there is not contradiction in the carrying out of divinelymandated sentences of death.

When Jesus commented concerning "Neither shalt thou commit adultery" (Deuteronomy 5:18; Matthew 5:27, 28), he, clearly, carried this act beyond the physical action. He showed the origin to be the "heart." Matthew 15:18-20.

The command, "Neither shalt thou steal" (Deuteronomy 5:19) addresses the motive as well as the act. This act can easily lead one to break the ninth of the commandments — "Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbor." Deuteronomy 5:20. The Apostle James saw a connection of these actions. James 2:10.

Moses gave an expanded account of the Tenth Commandment. "Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbor's wife…house…field…ma nservant…maidservant… ox…ass (donkey), or anything that is thy neighbor's." Deuteronomy 5:21.

The keeping of these divinely-prescribed rules allows one to be free to serve.

Rev. James C. Temples' Sunday School Lesson has appeared in the Early County News each week since 1967. A native of Early County, Rev. Temples taught in public schools 32 years and 10 years at Southeastern College of Assemblies of God, in Lakeland, Florida. He also served as pastor and evangelist during those years. He can be contacted at P.O. Box 1569, Auburndale, Fla. 33823; 863-965-0157. Email: jctjet@aol.com.