How to Count to Ten - The Mystery of the Ten Commandments

How to Count to Ten - The Mystery of the Ten Commandments

In this engaging Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, pastor Matthew Vander Els explores the profound significance of the Ten Commandments, often referred to in the original Hebrew as the "Aseret Debarim," or the ten words or sayings. The message delves into the historical context of these divine instructions given in the book of Exodus, starting from the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt. It emphasizes that these commandments are not merely a checklist of rules but rather an invitation into a deeper relationship with God and a guide for living a life that reflects His character to the world.

The teaching highlights the remarkable shift in the biblical narrative from the story of Abraham and his descendants in Genesis to the enslavement and suffering of the Israelites in Egypt in Exodus. It points out that God heard the cries of His people in their distress, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating God's responsiveness to human suffering. This understanding sets the stage for the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, a pivotal moment where God formally establishes His covenant with Israel.

The Puzzle of Counting to Ten

One of the fascinating aspects discussed is the different ways in which the Ten Commandments have been counted throughout Christian history. Despite the common understanding of there being ten, the Bible itself doesn't explicitly number or delineate them in a way that leaves no room for interpretation. This leads to various traditions in Judaism and Christianity having distinct ways of counting.

• The Jewish tradition generally considers the preamble, "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the land of slavery," as the first of the ten sayings. Consequently, the prohibition against graven images is often grouped with the commandment against having other gods.
• The Catholic view similarly includes the preamble with the prohibition of other gods and also tends to group the verses about graven images together. Interestingly, the Catholic tradition often separates the commandment against coveting into two distinct parts: not coveting your neighbor's wife and not coveting your neighbor's goods.
• The Reformed (Protestant) view, which is perhaps the most familiar to many, typically counts the prohibition against having other gods as the first commandment and the prohibition against graven images as the second. This difference in counting can lead to varying emphasis on specific commandments within different Christian denominations. For example, the strong emphasis against religious imagery in some Reformed churches stems from their distinct numbering of the commandment against graven images.
• Modern scholarship, as exemplified by Dr. Carmen Imes in her book "Bearing God's Name, Why Sinai Matters," proposes an approach that emphasizes the preamble as the first focus, similar to the Jewish view. Imes also argues, based on the literary structure (chiasm) in Exodus 20:2-6 and Deuteronomy 5, that the prohibitions against having other gods and making graven images should be read together, as they both point to the singular command to worship Yahweh alone. The chiasm highlights that the central message of the beginning of the Decalogue is to worship the God who saved you and to worship Him exclusively.

The speaker underscores that the lack of a definitive counting method in the Bible isn't necessarily a problem but rather an invitation to think, to struggle with understanding, and to engage more deeply with the scriptures. It moves us away from a simplistic, checklist approach to the Bible and towards a journey of seeking wisdom and understanding God's character.

Bearing the Name: More Than Just Words

The teaching then delves into the meaning of the third commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." The traditional understanding often focuses on not using God's name as a curse word or in irreverent speech. However, drawing on the work of Hebrew scholars like Robert Alter and Carmen Imes, a compelling alternative translation is presented: "You shall not bear or literally carry the name of Yahweh your God in vain."

This interpretation shifts the focus from mere verbal misuse to the broader responsibility of representing God well in all aspects of life. Just as the high priest in Exodus 28 bore the names of the sons of Israel on his breastplate and the inscription "Holy unto Yahweh" on his headband, signifying his representation of both the people to God and God to the people, so too are believers called to bear God's name to the nations.

Bearing God's name in vain, therefore, is not limited to inappropriate language but extends to how we live our lives. As ambassadors of Christ and a kingdom of priests, our actions, attitudes, and interactions either honor God's name or damage His reputation in the world. This includes our behavior at work, at home, and within our communities.

The Gift of the Sabbath

The message also touches upon the fourth commandment: "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." Instead of viewing the Sabbath as a burden or an outdated Jewish tradition, it is presented as a blessing and an invitation to experience God's provision, safety, and eternal peace. The author of Hebrews connects entering into allegiance with Christ to entering into an eternal Sabbath rest. The weekly Sabbath serves as a reminder of this reality for believers.

Furthermore, the Sabbath is not just about personal rest but also about representing God to others. By ceasing from work, we acknowledge that we are no longer slaves to endless labor, and this extends to our servants, neighbors, and even our animals. Just as God rested after creation to demonstrate His sovereignty, our observance of the Sabbath can be a powerful witness to God's provision and the ultimate rest found in Him.

Application for Everyday Life

• Reflect on your understanding of worship: Consider whether your worship is directed solely towards the God who saved you, avoiding the worship of other idols or the creation of graven images that detract from true worship.
• Examine how you "carry" God's name: Be mindful that your life is a reflection of the God you claim to serve. Strive to represent His character of love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness in your daily interactions.
• Practice intentional rest: Embrace the Sabbath as a gift and an opportunity to enter into God's peace, reflect on His provision, and be a witness to a world caught in endless striving.
• Engage with the complexities of scripture: Recognize that the Bible isn't always a simple checklist but an invitation to deeper thought, wisdom, and reliance on God.
• Prioritize humility over being "right": Understand that sometimes the process of seeking understanding and living out God's principles is more important than having all the answers or being correct in every interpretation.
• Embrace community: Recognize the value of fellowship and learning from others in understanding and applying God's Word.
• Don't conceal your emotions from God: Remember that God hears the cries of the distressed and welcomes even raw expressions of pain and struggle.

Ultimately, the teaching emphasizes that the essence of the Ten Commandments lies in worshiping God alone and representing Him well to the world. This is the foundational calling for believers, rooted in the grace and redemption offered through Jesus Christ.

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Books and Resources Mentioned

• Bearing God's Name, Why Sinai Matters by Dr. Carmen Imes

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