The Ten Commandments Were For Families | The Institute for Creation Research

The Ten Commandments Were For Families

“O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandmenst always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!” (Deuteronomy 5:29).

The Ten Commandments were given to the nations, but they were also for individuals and families. Israel’s laws in general and the Ten Commandments in particular centered around family life and protected the home (Deuteronomy 4:2–9). Other nations’ laws centered on civil life and protected the state. Israel was warned, not to marry among pagan nations whose people would turn them away from God (note Deuteronomy 7:3,4). Let’s look at some of commandments in this light.

The first one is, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Canaanites in the Promised Land had temples with idols. But the most powerful hold on the inhabitants came from their household shrines and gods (Jeremiah 32:29). Archaeologists often find small idols in Canaanite houses.

“Remember the Sabbath Day.” It is a sign of Israel’s covenant with God (Exodus 31:13–17). There was nothing like it in any other nation. It was to be a day of rest and worship for the family (Isaiah 58:13,14).

Honor parents: in duty to men, this was first. No other nation commanded this. Parents should be good models, but if children did not respect their parents, they were to die! (Exodus 21:17). If they did honor them they would live long. Why? Because when peace reigns in the home, society is healthier!

Most murders occur in homes. Police say 70–80% of murders occur among close relatives.

No adultery. This obviously breaks up homes!

Covetousness: most evident when families read the parents’ will. Covetousness is worst in families!

Thus the Ten Commandments were expecially for families. DPL

The Latest
NEWS
Creation's Easter Message
While many Christians still consider the creation doctrine a fringe issue, a proper understanding of the Christian message finds creation at its core...

NEWS
ICR Veteran Don Barber Retires
Don Barber   After 34 years with the Institute for Creation Research, Director of Enterprise Technology Don Barber will retire...

CREATION.LIVE PODCAST
The Sanctity of Life | Creation.Live Podcast: Episode 23
Abortion is a big issue culturally and in the church. How can believers love our neighbors and act as the hands and feet of Christ when it comes...

NEWS
Plant Receptors Are Designed to Control Immunity and Development
God has designed plants to continuously track their environment.1 They do so with specially designed detectors (also called receptors) on...

CREATION PODCAST
Homo Naledi: The Lies Behind Evolution's Rising Star | The Creation...
Homo naledi, once evolution's 'rising star,' was considered to be a prime example of human evolution. But is it really proof? Or...

NEWS
A Subsurface Ocean on Mimas?
Scientists have analyzed data obtained from the Cassini spacecraft and concluded that irregularities in the orbit of Saturn’s moon Mimas indicate...

NEWS
In Theaters March 20 & 21: The Ark and the Darkness
Is Genesis true? What about Noah’s Flood? How did Noah fit the animals on the ark? Wasn’t it a local flood? Have you asked these questions? Though...

NEWS
Enigmatic Fossil Plants
The pre-Flood world thousands of years ago was unlike the world of today.1 Unfamiliar animals and plants were common, and there were a lot...

NEWS
Surprisingly Colorful Fossil Snail Shells
Finding organic compounds such as flexible dinosaur collagen and complete bone cells1,2 is becoming common, much to the shock and consternation...

NEWS
March 2024 ICR Wallpaper
"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said." (Matthew 28:6 NKJV) ICR March 2024 wallpaper is now available for mobile, tablet,...