Exodus 20:12-17

Honor your father and your mother,¹ so that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.²

You shall not murder.³

You shall not commit adultery.⁴

You shall not steal.⁵

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.⁶

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.⁷

1 It comes from such a different cultural context that I'm still not sure I understand the full intention of this verse. Among other things, it helps the rest of the law to be passed down through the generations.

2 A reason for this commandment is given. Is this a promise or a general truth, and is it being delivered by God or a natural consequence of such obedience?

3 A rather clear moral command. Still, the debate over what constitutes “murder” is still fought today. It is a fundamental principle of a functional society. But how does it apply to “self-defense”? War? Accidents?

4 This is central to the organization of the family. Adultery is not just a break in trust between husband and wife and a injury in the hearts of the participants. It sows distrust among both extended families, decreases the commitment of family members to caring for each other, casts doubt on paternity, and can create children outside of the protection of the family.

5 Central principle of both ownership of goods and of work. Violation of the command is the fundamental barrier of trust between neighbors – will he/she steal from me, and what precautions do I have to take to prevent it?

6 Helps set up trust, and also provides a basis of law in an age before forensics.

7 The previous four commands focused on external behavior. But this command is one over the mind. Even if you never touch your neighbor, or his wife, or their things, covetousness can destroy your relationship.

Take-home: The last six commandments create the basis of a working society where neighbors would be able to trust each other and have transparent relationships. No penalties for violations of these laws are given.