The Ten Commandments

Come and see what happens when God’s people camp beside a great mountain called Sinai. God gives them the Ten Commandments — ten good rules of love to help them love Him and love each other.

God’s people had walked a long, long way through the desert, and at last they came to a great mountain called Mount Sinai. They set up their tents in the soft sand at the foot of the mountain and rested in the cool shade. The mountain rose up high above them, tall and quiet against the wide blue sky. All God’s people waited there together, wondering what good thing God had for them.

Then God called to a man named Moses, who loved God and listened with all his heart. “Come up the mountain,” God said gently, “and meet with Me.” So Moses began to climb, up and up the rocky path, step by step. A thick cloud wrapped around the top of the mountain, shining with God’s bright glory, and that is where God was waiting. The mountain was an awesome, frightening sight, but Moses listened to God and went to meet Him.

At the very top, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments — ten special gifts to guide His people. The first commands were about loving God. Worship only God, and do not make an idol to worship. Treat God’s name with care. Remember the Sabbath, a special day to rest and honor Him. God’s people were learning how to live close to Him.

The next rules were all about loving people. Honor your mother and father. Do not take another person’s life. Husbands and wives should keep their marriage promises. Do not steal or tell lies about someone else. Do not long to take what belongs to your neighbor. Honoring caring parents never means hiding something unsafe; a child can always tell another trusted grown-up who will help. These commands taught God’s people to care for one another.

Then God wrote the Ten Commandments on two flat stones, called tablets, so the people would always remember them. But while Moses was away, the people made a golden calf and worshiped it. They had broken their promise to God. When Moses came down and saw what they had done, he was so upset that he broke the tablets. The people needed forgiveness and a fresh start.

Moses asked God to forgive His people. God told him to bring two new stone tablets up the mountain. God gave the commands again and renewed His promise to be with His people. Moses came down and taught them God’s way. God is merciful, and His commands help us learn to love Him and care for others.

Thank You, God, for Your Ten Commandments that show us how to live well. Thank You for teaching us to love You most of all and to love everyone around us.