The Ten Commandments. God’s Instruction Manual for LifeSample

No other gods

The first commandment that God gives his people, forbids them to worship any other gods. The Israelites had experienced how God saved them from slavery. They had seen his signs and wonders, and they had heard his voice at Mount Sinai. No other god had ever done such things. No other god had ever loved them so much or proven to be so powerful. In fact, they learned that there are no other gods at all: “The Lord is God; there is no other besides him.” (Deuteronomy 4:35) God does not allow his people to worship idols instead of the real God, or besides him.

Idolatry was one of the biggest problems in the history of the people of Israel. They repeatedly copied the religious practices of neighboring people groups and worshiped idols like the Baals and Ashtaroth. God compared this behavior to adultery, and Himself to a betrayed husband (see Jeremiah 5:7). He took this unfaithfulness very seriously.

Since God is our Creator, He is worthy of our full devotion. We should not put anything or anyone else in his place.

Who or what is most important in your life?