What is the significance of the tenth commandment?

The Tenth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:17, states: "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." This commandment, like the previous nine, was given by God to the Israelites through Moses on Mount Sinai. It holds profound significance, both in its immediate context and in its broader theological and ethical implications.

To understand the significance of the Tenth Commandment, it is essential to first recognize its unique nature among the Ten Commandments. While the other commandments primarily address outward actions—such as honoring parents, refraining from murder, adultery, theft, and false testimony—the Tenth Commandment uniquely addresses the inner life of an individual. It focuses on the desires and intentions of the heart, rather than just external behaviors.

The Inner Life and Moral Integrity

The Tenth Commandment's emphasis on coveting highlights the importance of inner moral integrity. Jesus himself underscored this in the New Testament when he expanded on the meaning of the commandments. In the Sermon on the Mount, He taught that sin is not merely a matter of external actions but also of internal desires and thoughts (Matthew 5:21-22, 27-28). By prohibiting covetousness, the Tenth Commandment calls believers to cultivate a heart that is aligned with God's will, promoting contentment and trust in God's provision.

The Root of Other Sins

Covetousness can be seen as the root of many other sins. When a person covets, they are essentially dissatisfied with what they have and desire something that belongs to someone else. This dissatisfaction can lead to a range of sinful behaviors. For instance, coveting another person's property can lead to theft, coveting another person's spouse can lead to adultery, and coveting another person's status or success can lead to jealousy and false witness. By addressing the root cause—covetousness—the Tenth Commandment seeks to prevent a cascade of sinful actions that can harm individuals and communities.

Contentment and Trust in God

The Tenth Commandment also teaches the value of contentment and trust in God's provision. The Apostle Paul speaks to this in his letter to the Philippians, where he writes, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (Philippians 4:11-12). Contentment is a spiritual discipline that reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. By commanding against covetousness, God is inviting His people to trust that He will provide for their needs and to be grateful for what they have been given.

Community and Social Harmony

The Tenth Commandment also has significant social implications. Covetousness can lead to social discord and strife. When individuals are constantly comparing themselves to others and desiring what others have, it fosters an environment of competition and envy rather than cooperation and love. The early Christian community, as described in the Book of Acts, exemplified the opposite of covetousness. They shared their possessions and ensured that no one was in need (Acts 4:32-35). This spirit of generosity and communal care is what the Tenth Commandment seeks to promote.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the Tenth Commandment underscores the comprehensive nature of God's law. It is not enough to simply avoid outward acts of sin; God calls His people to a higher standard of holiness that encompasses their thoughts and desires. This comprehensive approach to morality reflects the holiness of God Himself, who is pure in both action and intention. It also points to the need for divine grace and transformation. Human beings, in their fallen state, are prone to covetousness and other sinful desires. The Tenth Commandment reveals the depth of human sinfulness and the need for a Savior who can transform hearts and minds.

Jesus and the Fulfillment of the Law

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the fulfillment of the law (Matthew 5:17). He not only perfectly obeyed the law but also provided a way for believers to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. Through faith in Christ, believers receive a new heart and a new spirit that enable them to live in accordance with God's commandments (Ezekiel 36:26-27). The Tenth Commandment, therefore, points forward to the transformative work of Christ, who empowers His followers to overcome covetousness and live lives marked by contentment, gratitude, and love.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the Tenth Commandment challenges believers to examine their desires and motivations. It calls for a heart check: Are we content with what God has given us, or are we constantly longing for more? Are we grateful for the blessings we have, or are we envious of others? Cultivating contentment involves regular gratitude, trusting in God's provision, and focusing on the eternal rather than the temporal. It also involves recognizing the value of relationships and community over material possessions.

Conclusion

The Tenth Commandment holds profound significance in the biblical narrative and in the life of believers. It addresses the inner life, highlighting the importance of moral integrity and the root causes of sin. It calls for contentment and trust in God's provision, promotes social harmony, and underscores the comprehensive nature of God's law. Ultimately, it points to the need for divine transformation through Jesus Christ, who empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will. By understanding and applying the Tenth Commandment, believers can cultivate a heart that is aligned with God's desires, leading to a life marked by contentment, gratitude, and love.