Once upon a time there was a people called Israel. They lived in the wilderness, and God led them to a great, high mountain called Sinai. The mountain was so high that it reached into the clouds. God wanted to talk to Moses, their leader, and share something very important.
God said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain. I have important rules for you and the people. These rules help you to live well with me and with each other.” Moses bravely climbed the mountain. There was thunder and lightning, and the mountain shook. It was so exciting!
God gave Moses ten special rules called commandments. These commandments should help people to live in peace and love. Here are some of the commandments in simple terms:
- God is the only God. Worship only Him.
- Do not form an image of God. God is everywhere, so you don’t need an image.
- Don’t say anything bad about God. Say his name with love.
- Rest and pray on the seventh day. This day is called a day of rest.
- Love and honor mom and dad. They take care of you.
- Don’t be mean to others. Always be friendly.
- Mom and dad should be faithful to each other. This keeps the family happy.
- Don’t take what doesn’t belong to you. The things of others belong to them.
- Always tell the truth. Lying hurts.
- Don’t be jealous. Rejoice in what you have.
Moses brought these commandments to the people. All listened attentively and promised to keep the commandments. God rejoiced because He knew that people now had a good way to live with each other and with Him.
Message of history
God gives us rules because He loves us. They help us to live together lovingly and happily.
Bible passage
The Ten Commandments, as listed in Exodus chapter 20, verses 1-17, read in the Schlachter 2000 translation:
Exodus 20:1-17: “And God spoke all these words, saying, ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.’ You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, an image of anything in heaven above, or on the earth below, or in the waters under the earth. Do not worship them or serve them! For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, who punishes the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but who shows mercy to thousands who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not leave unpunished the one who takes his name in vain. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy. Six days you shall work and do all your works; but on the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. You shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is in your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them, and he rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord has blessed and sanctified the Sabbath day. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. Thou shalt not murder. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. Thou shalt not covet the house of thy neighbor; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his servant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
