When God rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt, He brought them to Mount Sinai and gave them the Ten Commandments, written on stone by His own hand (Exodus 31:18). These were not random rules. They were God’s covenant instructions, teaching His people how to love Him and how to love one another.

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

God calls for our exclusive devotion. He alone is Creator and Savior. Putting anything else above Him leads only to emptiness.

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol.

We cannot reduce God to an image or worship anything in His place. Idolatry distorts who God is and keeps us from knowing Him truthfully.

3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

God’s name is holy. To misuse it is to treat Him lightly. He gave this command so we would honor Him with our words and live as people who carry His name well.

4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

This command was given as a gift. Israel was to rest every seventh day as God rested after creation. It reminded them to trust Him as provider and not live as slaves to work. In Christ, we find the true Sabbath rest (Matthew 11:28). While we are not bound to the Old Testament Sabbath law, the principle remains: God created us for rhythms of worship, rest, and trust in Him.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

God designed families as the foundation of society. Respecting parents teaches us respect for authority and gratitude for His order in our lives.

6. You shall not murder.

Life is sacred because it is made in God’s image. This command protects human dignity and reflects God’s care for all people.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

Marriage is a picture of God’s faithfulness. This command protects the covenant of marriage and calls us to purity in thought and action.

8. You shall not steal.

God calls us to honesty and respect for others. Stealing rejects His provision and breaks trust between people.

9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

Truth matters because God is truth. Lies destroy communities. This command protects justice and relationships.

10. You shall not covet.

God cares about the heart, not just actions. Coveting breeds discontent and jealousy. He gave this command so we would learn gratitude and contentment in Him.

The Ten Commandments were given after God saved His people, not before. They were never a way to earn salvation but a response to grace. Jesus summed them up in two commands: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37–39).

We still need the commandments today. They reveal God’s character, show us our need for Christ, and guide us in how to love well. None of us keeps them perfectly, but Jesus did. Through Him we are forgiven, and by His Spirit we are empowered to walk in love.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

In Jesus name, Amen

“I need you more” by Josiah Queen & Henrik

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Zach and the Daily Devotion team