The First Commandment

​Aseret haDevarim are the Hebrew words which mean the “ten words” or “ten matters” and describe what is worldwide known as The Ten Commandments.[1]
"In the early fifth century, the Christian theologian Augustine of Hippo combined the first two commandments into one commandment, and split the prohibition on coveting into two commandments . . . Augustine’s list became the standard enumeration for the Roman Church."[2]
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The Eastern Orthodox churches used a variation of Jewish thinking by making the first commandment, “Do not have other gods besides Me,” and “Do not make an idol for yourself . . .” (20:3,4a). But in Judaism, the first commandment is God’s declaration, “I am the LORD your God.”
           

Meditation
Exodus 20:2—I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.
 
In ancient times, a great king would shape a political alliance with a conquered or vassal nation. A suzerain covenant spelled out the sovereignty a vassal nation could maintain for its internal affairs. When the ruling king provided this covenant document, it typically began with a preamble establishing the great king’s authority.[3]
           
Exodus 20:2 is a preamble dictating God’s (King of kings), established authority over Israel. That authority preceded the subsequent commandments. This is important for several reasons.  God’s preamble (first commandment) is a claim and a reminder that He is Lord.  He rescued Israel from slavery in Egypt and successfully enabled them to conquer and settle in Canaan. Later, when God sent His Son, our Messiah, to the world by His authority, He mercifully and graciously provided salvation from sin and death for all who complied with His terms. We should be amply motivated to keep the following nine commandments by recognizing God’s supreme authority.
           
My dad taught me, my sisters, and my brother, to respect our parents and authorities. Respect was crucial because it helped us strive not to be disobedient to their rules, which were established for our benefit.  Respecting God is paramount to authentic worship and motivation to obey Him. “I am the LORD your God . . .” serves as six words that set everything else into its proper position. Something to think about . . . in reveration.
 
Inspiration
“For as among the powers of human society the greater power has a right to the obedience of the lesser, so God to the obedience of all.”—St. Augustine in Augustine Confessions

©2025 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  To receive these devotionals, go to www.firstcause.org and click the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed, subject to the inclusion of this copyright notice.     
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)


[1] Student Workbook/Torah Club/Hub/FFOZ
[2] Ibid
[3] https://www.ancient-hebrew.org/culture/suzerain-vassal-covenants.htm