What is the first commandment in the Bible?

The first commandment in the Bible, often referred to as the "Great Commandment," is found in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 20:3. This commandment is part of the Decalogue, more commonly known as the Ten Commandments, which were given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. The first commandment reads: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3, NKJV).

This commandment is foundational for understanding the ethical monotheism that characterizes the Judeo-Christian tradition. It sets the stage for a relationship between God and His people that is exclusive and based on loyalty and worship. In this commandment, God reveals His desire for an undivided allegiance from His followers, emphasizing that He alone is worthy of worship and devotion.

The context in which this commandment was given is crucial for grasping its full significance. The Israelites had just been liberated from centuries of slavery in Egypt, a land teeming with a multitude of gods and goddesses. In this polytheistic environment, the Israelites were likely exposed to various forms of idolatry and pagan worship. By commanding that they should have no other gods, God was not only calling them to reject the false gods of Egypt but also to embrace a new identity as His chosen people, set apart for His purposes.

The first commandment underscores the principle of monotheism, which is a cornerstone of Christian ethics. Monotheism is the belief in the existence of only one God who is sovereign, omnipotent, and deserving of exclusive worship. This principle is reiterated throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4-5, which is part of the Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength" (NKJV).

From a Christian perspective, the first commandment is not merely a prohibition against idolatry but also a positive call to love and serve God wholeheartedly. Jesus Himself affirmed the importance of this commandment when asked about the greatest commandment in the Law. He responded by quoting the Shema and adding a second commandment: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39, NKJV). By doing so, Jesus highlighted that the love of God and the love of neighbor are inseparable and form the basis of Christian ethics.

The first commandment also has profound implications for our understanding of worship and idolatry. In the ancient Near Eastern context, gods were often associated with specific aspects of life, such as fertility, weather, or war. Worshiping these gods involved rituals and sacrifices aimed at securing their favor. In contrast, the God of Israel demanded exclusive worship and loyalty, not because He needed anything from His people, but because He sought a relationship based on love, trust, and obedience.

Idolatry, therefore, is not just the worship of physical idols but also the elevation of anything or anyone to a place of ultimate importance in our lives. In today's context, idols can take many forms, such as money, power, success, relationships, or even personal ambitions. The first commandment challenges us to examine our hearts and ask whether there are any "gods" that we are placing before the one true God.

Theologian and author Timothy Keller, in his book "Counterfeit Gods," explores the concept of modern idolatry and how it can subtly infiltrate our lives. He writes, "An idol is anything more important to you than God, anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give" (Keller, 2009). This understanding broadens the scope of the first commandment, reminding us that our loyalty to God must be comprehensive and all-encompassing.

Furthermore, the first commandment has ethical implications for how we live our daily lives. If we truly acknowledge God as the supreme authority in our lives, it will shape our values, decisions, and actions. This commandment calls us to live in a way that reflects God's character and priorities. It invites us to practice justice, mercy, and humility, as emphasized by the prophet Micah: "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV).

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul echoes the first commandment's call to exclusive devotion to God. In his letter to the Romans, he writes, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God" (Romans 12:1-2, NKJV). Here, Paul emphasizes that our worship of God should be holistic, involving our entire being and resulting in a transformed life.

Moreover, the first commandment serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and covenantal relationship with His people. Throughout the Bible, God reveals Himself as a covenant-keeping God who is steadfast in His love and commitment. The first commandment, therefore, is not just a rule to be obeyed but an invitation to enter into a deep and abiding relationship with the God who loves us and has redeemed us.

In conclusion, the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me," is a profound and foundational directive that shapes the entire ethical framework of the Judeo-Christian tradition. It calls us to exclusive worship and loyalty to the one true God, challenges us to examine our hearts for any form of idolatry, and invites us to live lives that reflect God's character and priorities. Through this commandment, we are reminded of the importance of a covenantal relationship with God, marked by love, trust, and obedience. As we strive to live out this commandment, we are drawn closer to the heart of God and find our true purpose and fulfillment in Him.