What Commandment Came First?
The concept of commandments, especially in the Judeo-Christian tradition, refers to the divine laws given by God to guide moral, spiritual, and social conduct. Among these, the Ten Commandments, also called the Decalogue, hold a central place. They were given to Moses on Mount Sinai, as recorded in the books of Exodus (Exodus 20:1–17) and Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy 5:4–21). Understanding which commandment came first requires exploring the text, historical context, and theological significance.
1. The Context of the Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments were delivered after the Israelites were freed from Egypt and had encamped at Mount Sinai. They were part of a covenant between God and Israel, a binding agreement in which God declared the people as His treasured possession and called them to holiness. These commandments provided a foundation for ethical living, religious devotion, and communal order.
2. The First Commandment
According to Exodus 20:3, the first commandment is:
“You shall have no other gods before Me.”
This commandment emphasizes monotheism, the exclusive worship of the one true God. In its original context, the Israelites had just left a polytheistic culture in Egypt, where multiple gods were worshiped. God’s directive served to redirect the people’s loyalty and devotion exclusively toward Him.
3. Significance of the First Commandment
The first commandment is foundational for several reasons:
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Primacy of God in Life: By placing God first, all other moral and social obligations are framed within a divine perspective. Worshiping other gods or idols would undermine this foundation.
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Covenantal Relationship: This commandment establishes the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. God asserts His authority and calls the people to allegiance, loyalty, and reverence.
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Spiritual and Moral Focus: The commandment is not just about religious practice; it directs moral and spiritual attention toward God as the ultimate source of truth, justice, and guidance.
4. Theological Interpretation
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Judaism: In Jewish tradition, the first commandment establishes the principle of monotheism and the recognition of God as sovereign. It sets the stage for the rest of the commandments, which deal with moral behavior and ritual observance.
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Christianity: Christians view the first commandment as central to faith, emphasizing love and devotion to God above all else. It underpins the teaching of Jesus, who summarized the law as loving God with all one’s heart, soul, and mind.
5. Connection to Other Commandments
The Ten Commandments can be divided into two categories:
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Vertical relationship (God and humans): The first four commandments, including the prohibition of other gods, focus on worship and reverence toward God.
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Horizontal relationship (humans and humans): The remaining six commandments deal with interpersonal ethics, such as honoring parents, prohibitions against murder, theft, and bearing false witness.
By coming first, the commandment to worship no other gods sets the stage for all subsequent ethical and social directives.
6. Modern Relevance
Even today, the first commandment challenges believers to prioritize their values, loyalty, and focus in life. Beyond religious observance, it calls for a recognition of ultimate principles that guide moral and spiritual choices.
Conclusion
The first commandment—“You shall have no other gods before Me”—is more than a rule against idol worship. It is the foundation of monotheistic faith, establishing the priority of God in the life of believers and setting the framework for all ethical and spiritual conduct that follows. Its primacy highlights the essential relationship between humans and the divine, reminding generations that loyalty, reverence, and devotion to God are the starting points of a righteous life.