A New Identity

Often, the 10 commandments are remembered as "Commandments." However the Hebrew Bible didn't use "command" but "words" or "things" or "affairs/concepts." The 10 ideas or things were guides for this new community. While in the wilderness the Hebrews were "camping out" and needed structure, like all of us do. Yet these ideas or guidelines were designed to identify who all of us are to be in our community and walk with God.