Exodus 20 (The Ten Commandments): The Evans Practical Bible Commentary

By Roderick L. Evans

In this commentary, we will examine Exodus 20. This chapter gives the initial giving of the Ten Commandments. God gave them as a foundation for Israel’s national identity and worship. Their implementation also marked a dividing line in humankind’s history. Though there is controversy and varying commentaries on the Ten Commandments, their eternal truth yet resounds. The Christian, today, should not only memorize these commandments, but also understand their application in the Christian life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abundant Truth Publishing
• Release date: Jan 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781601412843

Roderick L. Evans

Roderick Levi Evans is an author, bible lecturer, and Christian apologist. He is the founder of Abundant Truth International Ministries: a prophetic and a Christian apologetic ministry with the commission to defend, equip, and contend for Christ’s Kingdom. He is a prolific author, having written numerous books on topics such as Christian orthodoxy, leadership, worship, spiritual gifts, and other areas of Christian thought and practice; as well as, articles, blogs, sheet music, and poetry.He travels nationally and internationally proclaiming the message of the Christian faith, equipping the Body of Christ for service, and imparting prophetic revelation through seminars, conferences, revivals, and other sacred services. His desire is to see the Church perfected through the truth of God revealed in Jesus Christ. He and his family reside in Elizabeth City, NC.

Book preview

EXODUS 20 (THE TEN COMMANDMENTS)

THE EVANS PRACTICAL BIBLE COMMENTARY

Written by: Roderick Levi Evans

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PUBLISHED BY:

Abundant Truth Publishing on Smashwords

Exodus 20 (The Ten Commandments)

The Evans Practical Bible Commentary

Copyright ©2019 by Roderick L. Evans

ISBN 13: 978-1-60141-284-3

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Table of Contents

Introduction

1-The Reason for the Ten Commandments

The Historicity of Man’s Descent into Sin

The Historicity of Abraham’s Call

The Historicity of Moses’ Commission

The Historicity of Israel’s Sinful Deeds

Historical Promises of Victory Over Sin

Historicity and Prophetic Foreshadowing

2-The Rationale of the Ten Commandments

Divine Intention

Divine Flow

God’s Supremacy over Israel

God’s Sovereignty in the Home

God’s Sanctions on Human Relations

3-The Reach of the Ten Commandments

Christ’s Supremacy over the Church

Christ’s Sovereignty in the Christian Home

Christ’s Sanctions on Humanity

4-The Reach of the Ten Commandments

The People Respond in Fear

God Responds with Acceptance

The Reiteration of Unique Worship

References

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Introduction

Paul told Timothy that the Word of God was profitable in the Christian life. It is through the study and practical application of biblical truths that the Christian can live the victorious life. The Abundant Truth Bible Reference Series is designed to strengthen, uplift, and instruct believers through the study of God’s Word.

In this publication

The Exodus from Egypt was a significant event in Israel’s history. God introduced Himself in a particular manner, demonstrating that He was the God of their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To solidify His position as their God, He gave the Law, which at its center was the Ten Commandments. Exodus 20 marks this event. These Commandments would characterize the nation’s identity as the people of God.

The Ten Commandments or Decalogue is a challenging subject of theological study and ethical debate. Its relevancy has both been exaggerated and undervalued concurrently. This shows the magnitude and importance of their principles worldwide. Even belief systems which oppose the Judeo-Christian systems of worship, will incorporate the Ten Commandments into their philosophical beliefs and practices.

In addition, many secular organizations will use parts of the Ten Commandments in their codes of conduct. Conversely, there is the prevailing belief that the Ten Commandments have no place today, even in the Christian Church. It can be proposed that this is untrue. As an examination of Exodus 20, whose feature is the Commandments, the relevancy in Israel’s time and in the Church presently will be made clear.

In this study of Exodus 20, four areas will be addressed concerning the Ten Commandments: 1) The Reason for the Commandments (The Historical Events which preceded the Law, 2) The Rationale of the Commandments (The Original Meaning and Purpose of the Law), 3) The Reach of the Ten Commandments (Contemporary Application of the Commandments) and 4) The Response to the Commandments.

These areas will not only bring understanding to the overarching purpose of the Ten Commandments, but also demonstrate how their principles are everlasting and have place within the New Testament Church.

-Section 1-

The Reason for the Ten Commandments

(The Historical Events Which Preceded the Law)

Exodus 20 gives a concise rendering of the statutes (commandments) of the living God. To fully understand those Commandments and their application for today’s Christians, we must first start at the root cause of their implementation. It does not begin with the nation of Israel, but with the garden of Eden.

After man's creation, and the subsequent creation of the woman, we find that God had given only one commandment, that they would not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; however, they disobeyed this command. Consequently, they became the progenitors of the most powerful, invisible, force (outside of God) in humankind's existence.

The invisible force was given a