What is the central theme of the 10 Commandments?

Answer 1

A:The first four commandments focus on religious observance. In fact the first three commandments are essentially different ways of saying to worship no other god.

The remaining six commandments focus on some rules for a harmonious society. We need not regard them as rules for strict moral conduct because, for example, the tenth commandment says not to do not covet that which belongs to your neighbour, including his wife and slaves. We no longer think of wives as mere chattels, and ownership of slaves is now considered morally repugnant.

Another Answer:

The first four Commandments tell us how we are to worship our God - having the proper relationship with Him - Loving God.

The remaining six Commandments tell us how we are to relate to our neighbors - our fellow human beings - loving our neighbors.

Jesus told us that on these two Commandment of Love, hangs the whole Royal Law of God which has always been and always will be.

For example, the Command not to covet is a two-way street meaning it is for both men and women - husbands and wives. Our Western world may consider slavery repugnant but that doesn't mean it doesn't still exist in the World and even in the West - perhaps in a less obvious appearance. In a broader sense, some have propensities or weaknesses for 'things' which they become slaves to and others who provide or make available these things, are the slave masters.

Answer 2

A:The first three Commandments are essentially different ways of saying to worship no other god. The next commandment says to do no work on the Sabbath, nor to require or request others to do so or even allow an animal to do so, an important Commandment in ancient times, although now it is almost never honoured. These Commandments help define Judaism as it was understood in the late monarchy.

The fifth commandment is to honour your father and your mother. The next four commandments define some important moral ideals, although only stated in general terms: do not kill, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness against your neighbour. The final Commandment requires you not to covet that which belongs to your neighbour, including his wife or slaves. This group is very much concerned with a well-ordered society in which everyone knew his place. A son knew his place in the family and in society, as did a wife and a slave. A well-ordered society required that a husband knew he was the father of his wife's children, so the Commandment against adultery protected the patriarchal succession. Finally, there had to be rules against murder, theft and giving false testimony in court.

The two issues at the heart of the Ten Commandments are the way Judaism was defining itself and the need to ensure a well-ordered society.

Answer 3

Love God with all your mind, body and soul. And love your neighbor as yourself. Keep that, and you fullfill the law. That's the key principle that ties all the commandmens together.

Answer 4

Love God with all your heart, mind, and strength and your neighbor as you yourself would want to be loved

Answer 5

Keeping the ways of God.

See also:

More about the Ten Commandments