You shall haveThis phrase is a direct command, indicating the imperative nature of the instruction. It reflects the authoritative voice of God, emphasizing the non-negotiable aspect of the commandment. The use of "shall" denotes a future obligation, suggesting that this command is to be continually observed by the Israelites and, by extension, all who follow the God of Israel.
no other gods
In the ancient Near Eastern context, polytheism was prevalent, with various cultures worshiping multiple deities. This commandment establishes monotheism as the foundation of Israelite religion, setting them apart from surrounding nations. The term "gods" refers to any entity or object that might be worshiped or revered in place of the one true God. This includes idols, celestial bodies, or even human leaders. The commandment underscores the exclusivity of worship that God demands, rejecting the syncretism common in the ancient world.
before Me
The phrase "before Me" can be understood as "in My presence" or "in opposition to Me." It implies that God is aware of all actions and thoughts, and nothing can be hidden from Him. This commandment is not just about physical idols but also about the heart's allegiance. It calls for complete devotion and loyalty to God, without any rival. Theologically, this reflects God's sovereignty and His rightful place as the sole object of worship. It also foreshadows the New Testament teaching of Jesus Christ, who affirmed the greatest commandment as loving God with all one's heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe prophet and leader of the Israelites who received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai.
2.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, including the commandment in
Exodus 20:3.
3.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and were the initial recipients of the Ten Commandments.
4.
God (Yahweh)The one true God who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and established a covenant with them, emphasizing His exclusive worship.
5.
EgyptThe land of slavery from which the Israelites were delivered, representing a place of idolatry and false gods.
Teaching Points
Exclusive WorshipGod demands exclusive worship, highlighting His unique nature and authority. This commandment calls believers to examine their lives for anything that might take precedence over God.
Idolatry in Modern ContextIdolatry is not limited to physical idols but includes anything that takes priority over God, such as money, power, or relationships.
Covenant RelationshipThis commandment is foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing loyalty and faithfulness.
Heart ExaminationBelievers are encouraged to regularly examine their hearts and lives to ensure that God remains their primary focus and devotion.
Cultural InfluenceIn a world with many competing ideologies and beliefs, Christians are called to remain steadfast in their commitment to the one true God.
Lists and Questions
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Thou shalt have no other gods before me.--Heb.,
There shalt be to thee no other god before me.The result is the same, whether we translate
Elohimby "god" or "gods;" but the singular verb shows that the plural form of the name is a mere plural of dignity.
Before me--literally,before my face--means strictly, "side by side with me"--i.e.,"in addition to me." God does not suppose that the Israelites, after all that He had done for them, would discard Him, and substitute other gods in His place, but fears the syncretism which would unite His worship with that of other deities. All polytheisms were syncretic, and readily enlarged their pantheons, since, when once the principle of unity is departed from, whether the plurality be a little greater or a little less cannot much signify. The Egyptian religion seems to have adopted Ammon at a comparatively late period from Arabia; it took Bar, or Baal, Anta, or Ana?tis, Astaret, or Astarte, Reshpu, or Reseph, &c., from Syria, and it admitted Totuu from Ethiopia. Israel, in after-times, fell into the same error, and, without intending to apostatise from Jehovah, added on the worship of Baal, Ashtoreth, Moloch, Chemosh, Remphan, &c. It is this form of polytheism against which the first commandment is directed. It asserts thesoleclaim of Jehovah to our religious regards.
Verse 3. -
Thou shalt have. The use of the second person
singular is remarkable when a covenant was being made with the
people (
Exodus 19:5). The form indicated that each individual of the nation was addressed severally, and was required himself to obey the law, a mere general national obedience being insufficient. No one can fail to see how much the commands gain in force, through all time, by being thus addressed to the individual conscience.
No other gods before me. "Before me" literally, "before my face," is a Hebrew idiom, and equivalent to "beside me," "in addition to me." The commandment requires the worship of one God alone, Jehovah - the God who had in so ninny ways manifested himself to the Israelites, and implies that there is, in point of fact, no other God. A belief in the unity of God is said to lie at the root of the esoteric Egyptian religion; but Moses can scarcely have derived his belief from this source, since the Egyptian notions on the subject were tinged with pantheism and materialism, from which the religion of Moses is entirely free. Outwardly the Egyptian religion, like that of the nations of Western Asia generally, was a gross polytheism; and it is against polytheistic notions that the first commandment raises a protest.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Youלְךָ֛֩(lə·ḵā)Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrewshall haveיִהְיֶֽה־(yih·yeh-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, benoלֹֽ֣א(lō)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nootherאֲחֵרִ֖֜ים(’ă·ḥê·rîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 312:Hinder, next, othergodsאֱלֹהִ֥֨ים(’ĕ·lō·hîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativebeforeעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstMe.פָּנָֽ֗יַ(pā·nā·ya)Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440:The face
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 20:3 You shall have no other gods before (Exo. Ex) 
