The list of commands known as the “Ten Commandments” is the most familiar of all the laws that the Lord gave to the people of Israel. They are recorded in two slightly different versions in Exodus 20.1-17 and Deuteronomy 5.6-21. Scholars have observed that the form of the Ten Commandments is similar to ancient Near Eastern treaties or agreements between a ruler and the people he rules. In such treaties, the ruler promised to protect the people, and the people, in turn, promised to be loyal to the ruler. The Ten Commandments is more than just a list of “do's” and “don'ts.” More importantly, they define a relationship. Notice how the commands are introduced with God's statement: “I am the Lord your God, the one who brought you out of Egypt where you were slaves” (Exod 20.2). When the Lord chose the people of Israel and saved them from slavery, a sacred relationship was formed.

The commands were given to strengthen the relationship that God had already established. Because God chose Israel, they were to be loyal to God alone. They were to worship only God and not make or worship idols that represented other gods. And because God's name is holy, the people weren't to misuse it in any way (see Exod 20.7). The relationship with God also included setting aside a day for rest, as God did at creation (Gen 2.2,3; Exod 20.8-11). The day of rest “belongs to God” (Exod 20.8), meaning it was to be a day to worship God and to remember what God had done for the people (Deut 5.12-15). Observing this special day each week was to set the people of Israel apart from their neighbors. By resting, worshiping, and by giving servants (and even animals) time off, the people would remind the world of their unique relationship with God.

 The rest of the commands help define the relationship that the people were to have with one another. These commands are like important foundation stones or pillars helping to support Israel's life as a community and to protect it from danger. If these “foundation” commands were not obeyed, lives would be affected in negative ways. Individuals and whole families would be hurt. Marriages would be broken up, and the peace and blessing intended for those who live under God's care would be replaced with pain and chaos.

Notice that neither list of commandments (Exod 20.1-17; Deut 5.6-21) includes a “one through ten” numbering. Different religious traditions number the Ten Commandments in slightly different ways. Some combine the command to worship only God (Exod 20.3) with the command which bans the making and worshiping of idols (Exod 20.4-6). The final command about “not wanting” what belongs to someone else is then divided into two commands, so the list will equal “ten.” What's most important about the Ten Commandments is not how they are numbered, but rather that they show God's people how to live with one another and to honor God.