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The Ten Commandments Lesson/Back Story

 

The Ten Commandments – Bible Lesson & Back Story

Primary Scripture: Book of Exodus 20:1–17 (KJV) and Book of Deuteronomy 5:6–21

"And God spake all these words, saying..." (Exodus 20:1)

Back Story

After God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He led them through the wilderness toward the Promised Land. About three months after leaving Egypt, they arrived at Mount Sinai.

There, God called Moses to come up the mountain while the people remained below. God wanted to establish a covenant (special agreement) with His people. If they would obey Him, they would be His treasured possession and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5–6).

The mountain was covered with thunder, lightning, thick clouds, smoke, and the sound of a trumpet, showing God's holiness and power. The people were afraid and stood at a distance.

God then gave Moses the Ten Commandments—ten foundational laws that taught Israel how to love God and how to treat other people. Later, God wrote these commandments on two tablets of stone with His own finger (Exodus 31:18).

Although these commandments were first given to Israel, they still teach timeless moral principles about honoring God and loving others.

The Ten Commandments (KJV Summary)

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.

God alone deserves our worship.

Lesson: Put God first in every area of life.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

Do not worship idols or anything in place of God.

Lesson: Worship God alone.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

Use God's name with honor and respect.

Lesson: Speak God's name reverently.

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Set aside time to worship God and rest.

Lesson: Make time for God and spiritual renewal.

5. Honour thy father and thy mother.

Respect and obey parents.

Lesson: God blesses those who honor their parents.

6. Thou shalt not kill.

Human life is precious because God created it.

Lesson: Respect and value life.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

Be faithful in marriage and pure in heart.

Lesson: Honor God's design for marriage.

8. Thou shalt not steal.

Respect what belongs to others.

Lesson: Be honest and trustworthy.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness.

Do not lie or deceive others.

Lesson: Always tell the truth.

10. Thou shalt not covet.

Do not be jealous of what others have.

Lesson: Be thankful for God's blessings.

What Did Jesus Teach About the Commandments?

When Jesus was asked which commandment was the greatest, He summarized all of God's law with two commands:

  1. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
  2. Love your neighbor as yourself.

When we truly love God and love others, we naturally desire to obey His commandments.

Important Lessons

  • The Ten Commandments reveal God's holy character.
  • They teach us the difference between right and wrong.
  • They show us our need for God's forgiveness because no one keeps them perfectly.
  • Jesus fulfilled the Law and offers salvation through faith, not by earning it through good works.
  • Christians obey God out of love and gratitude, not to earn salvation.

Life Application

Ask yourself:

  • Is God first in my life?
  • Do I honor my parents and other authorities?
  • Am I honest in my words and actions?
  • Am I thankful instead of jealous?
  • Do my choices show love for God and for others?

Pray each day for God's help to obey Him and reflect His character.

Key Takeaway

The Ten Commandments are God's instructions for living a life that honors Him and respects others. They remind us of God's holiness, reveal our need for His grace, and point us to Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfilled God's Law and offers forgiveness and new life to all who trust in Him.

Memory Verse (KJV)

Exodus 20:3

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

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