Why God Gives Commands

“The Bible is just an old book written a long time ago full of rules and no modern cultural relevance.” Many of those who object to scripture and even some believers believe that The Bible, especially the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, is overflowing with commands, regulations, and laws. These commands and laws also became roots of self-righteous hypocrisy that we see in the Pharisees and Sadducees. However, this was not God’s purpose for the commands. The commands in the Hebrew Bible are to direct us to a way of life that leads to holiness. In the New, Testament Jesus comes to fulfill that so that our deeds don’t make us holy. Still, Christ’s death and resurrection make us right with God that way, and our transformation of heart and mind encourages us to live a lifestyle of holiness and follow God’s commands due to Christ’s sacrifice.

When a nation establishes laws or commands, those laws highlight what that nation values. For instance, America has a Constitution, and our Constitution is home to amendments. Our first amendment gives us a list of guaranteed freedoms. Freedom of religion, expression, assembly, and right to petition. This shows us that our founding fathers valued and cared that the citizens of this nation were allowed to express their individuality while also being allowed to question their government. While this is merely an analogy, God’s commands are very similar; his commands show us more about his personality, values, and cares.

For Example:

1. No other gods other than God- God cares that we are in a devout relationship with him only and undivided.
2. No Idols, only worship God- God values that we show all our affection and love to him and him only.
3. Do not disrespect God’s Name- God values his name and how it is used. His name highlights his character, so if it’s scorned, it can misrepresent his nature.
4. Keep The Sabbath Day and Make it Holy- God values your rest and time off to spend time with Him and has uninterrupted time with those you love.
5. Honor Your Parents- God cares about and values you, but he also loves your parents. We are all his children, and he values us all.
6. You Shall Not Murder- God cares and values life. He loves your life. He values our lives.
7. Honor Your Marriage Promises- God values our relationships and cares about our faithfulness and relational growth.
8. Do Not Steal- God values the possessions we’ve earned, and an extended meaning is God made us stewards, so ultimately, it’s all his stuff, and he loves his things.
9. Do Not Lie- God values and cares about Truth. No questions asked.
10. Do Not Be Jealous or Envious of Others and their Things- God values our view of ourselves and others. Jealousy and envy show that we aren’t content with the things we have. God wants us to be grateful.

You can find the 10 commandments in Exodus 20:2-17 or Deuteronomy 5:6-21, and the Bible is full of many other commands as well. When you read these commands, don’t just see them as rules or regulations but the revelation of what God cares about and values, and why!

Dear Father, Thank you for your commandments, for they guide me, and they reveal your heart and cares for your creation. As I read these commandments throughout your Word allow me to see your heart and extend that grace and truth in everything I do for your glory. In the name of Jesus. Amen.