Revealed in the Law - Commandment 10

Commandment 10 - Human Rights and Privileges

"You must not covet ... anything that belongs to your neighbor."

Deuteronomy 24:17-26:15

This section deals with protecting the rights of individuals such as basic food and shelter, for justice and fair treatment, to have children, and to a fair wage for their work.

The definition of covet is to wrongfully desire anything that belongs to someone else without regard for their rights. (11.1) In Commandment 4 we saw how part of that section dealt with sharing in the blessings that God gives us with others, now we have a companion commandment that also protects the basic rights of people, regardless of their faith.  As the first commandment to love the Lord with all of our heart, all of our soul and all of our strength is the foundation and the source of all that's to come (our attitude towards God), this is the summit of all the previous commandments.

This commandment stands out because it can only be enforced by God, as it concerns our attitude towards others.  Only He alone knows our thoughts before they become actions (Psalm 139:1-2, 4, 23-24; Luke 5:22, 6:8, 9:47, 11:17), and any thoughts leading to evil actions are what's prohibited here even going as far as declaring that the thoughts are as sinful as the actions (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). (11.2)  

Gane shows us how this commandment is implicitly related to the other commandments concerning humans:

"Covetousness is a root of evil (Isaiah 14:13-14) that can sprout into adultery (breaking Decalogue commandment 7), theft (commandment 8), murder (6) if one or more people get in the way of what one wants, and false witness (9) if it facilitates acquisition of an illicitly desired object.  Coveting can lead to dishonoring parents (5) by taking what rightfully belongs to them or is due to them." (11.3)

As evil is still prowling everywhere (Genesis 4:7) until Jesus returns (Matthew 25:46), there is a pressing need to protect the rights of others, and we need to learn how to fight covetousness like the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:11-13; 1 Timothy 6:6-8; and Hebrews 13:5:

"I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Learning contentment also keeps us from ever taking for granted the rights and privileges we've been given ourselves. (11.4)


Here are a few questions to ponder before you continue:

How is your heart responding to what you just learned?  
How does it make you feel to know that God knows your every thought, but sent Jesus to die for you anyway?
Has this study changed your pre-understanding of who God cares about (everybody, not just believers)?
Now how would you describe God using His character traits?

Next Post:   Conclusion

Credit Notes

Previous Posts:

Commandment 9

Commandments 6-8

Commandment 5

Commandment 4

Commandment 3

Commandment 2

Commandment 1

The Decalogue (The Ten Commandments)

Some Background

Introduction

I encourage respectful and edifying dialog.  All comments are subject to approval.
Last updated: July 30, 2018