The Ten Commandments

The Lord led the Israelites from Egypt to their own land. He was always ready to help them when they needed him. Once, they couldn’t find water in the desert, and they began to complain. They asked Moses, “Why did you bring us to this place? You should have left us in Egypt!” The Lord told Moses to hit a rock with his walking stick, and water came out of the rock. Then the people said, “The Lord is here with us.”

Then the Amalekites attacked the Israelites. The Lord told Moses to stand on a hill while the Israelites were fighting.

As long as he held up his walking stick, the Israelites won. When he grew tired and lowered his hand the Amalekites began to win. Then Aaron and Hur held up Moses’ hands, and the Israelites won the battle. After three months, the Israelites reached the Desert of Sinai. They camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. The Lord told Moses, “If the Israelites serve and obey me, they will be my special people.” The people answered, “We want to serve and obey the Lord. We want to be his people.” The Lord wanted to speak to the people of Israel. So Moses told the people to make special preparations. Then he led them to the foot of the mountain.

As they waited, a thick cloud covered the mountain. There was thunder and lightning. The Lord came down to the mountain in fire, and the mountain trembled and shook. There was the sound of a trumpet that grew louder and louder. Then the Lord gave the people ten commandments or laws.

This is what he said:

“I am the Lord your God. I brought you out of Egypt.

You must love God more than anyone or anything else.

Do not make statues of other gods. Do not worship those statues.

Use God’s name with respect.

Do all your work in six days.

The seventh day is a day to rest and to honour the Lord.

Respect your father and mother.

Do not hurt anyone.

Be faithful to your marriage partner.

Do not steal.

Do not lie.

Do not want the things that belong to other people.” The people were afraid of the thunder and lightning, and the loud noises and fire.

They told Moses, “We are afraid. Don’t let God speak to us. You must tell us what God wants.”

Moses said, “Don’t be afraid, but always remember that God is all-powerful. You must respect him and obey him.” Then they built an altar and worshipped the Lord.

Exodus 17, 19 and 20