BibleProject | The 10 CommandmentsSample

Because I Love You

Sometimes you do what you want. Other times you do what you’re told. Why? Because the boss says so—that’s why.

Strict rules govern our days: speed limits, tax laws, dress codes, policy manuals. Voices from every side threaten, “Obey, or else!” So when we hear God’s voice issuing commands through Scripture, it’s easy to assume that he operates the same way.

But God’s commands aren’t about subjugation. In today’s reading, Psalm 1 describes people who follow God’s instructions as trees “planted by streams of water” that thrive and prosper (Ps. 1:3 NRSV). This beautiful imagery shows that these instructions are actually invitations into freedom and a flourishing life.

In fact, God’s first command in the Bible isn’t a rule—it’s actually a blessing. The first page of the Bible says, “God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply’” (Gen. 1:28). Read the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20, and you get the same blessing vibe.

God starts these important commands by reminding Israel that his intent has always been to bless and set people free, saying, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery” (Exod. 20:2). Before giving any of the commands, God first says: Remember who I am. I’m the one who rescued you.

Interestingly, as today’s video mentions, this is the first command of what the Hebrew Bible describes as the 10 “words [devarim]” of God (Exod. 20:1, 34:28; Deut. 4:13, 10:4). That means these words always bring life, and the first command reminds everyone that God is a liberator who loves people and leads them to freedom, not a tyrant forcing people to submit.

In the days ahead, we’ll slow down and sit with each word from God. Together, they reveal his character and sketch a vision of the abundant life he’s always wanted for people in every generation.

Reflection Question:

• What do you usually feel when you consider the 10 Commandments? What difference does it make when you see the commands as God’s words of invitation rather than laws?