The Ten Commandments Further Defined

In Law, each and every word matters. Often, traditional dictionary’s definitions do not match legal definitions; sometimes, even Black’s Law Dictionary does not suffice. With each and every word being important for both interpretation and application of any particular law, legislators often will include a section in a particular statute or regulation that specifically defines words and terms.

In the Ten Commandments, we are confronted with the same issues. Without the benefit of a definition section attached to the Decalogue, one must look towards other portions of the Hebrew Bible which can assist in defining the terms or words within the commandments.

The Decalogue’s beginning we have “I am the Lord, Your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Exodus 20:2. This sentence contains words worthy of definition. Likewise, in the Sabbath Commandment, we have the statement “for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, ” Exodus 20:11, which also can benefit from some elaboration.

Thus, we must ask, “Are the words or terms from the Ten Commandments further defined in other parts of the Hebrew Bible?

To tackle this question, we turn to the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 45.

In addressing the Israelite Deity’s relationship with Cyrus, the Persian Emperor, it is said, “I am the Lord, there is no other.” Isaiah 45:6. This statement arguably raises the definition of the Deity beyond mere monolatry into monotheism.

Further, when creation is discussed in Isaiah, the following is offered, it is the Lord “Who forms light and creates darkness, Who makes peace and creates evil; I am the Lord, Who makes all these.” Isaiah 45:7. This statement, on one level, is disconcerting. How can God be the creator of evil? There is a simple answer. If God created everything, this must include evil.

This notion of evil is further addressed in the next sentence of Isaiah 45, in which the Lord is to “Cause the heavens above to drip, and let the skies pour down righteousness; let the earth open, and let salvation and righteousness be fruitful; let it cause them to sprout together; I, the Lord, have created it.” Isaiah 45:8. Thus, while evil was in fact created, the creation’s intent is to be one of positivity and goodness.

Do these definitions from Isaiah fit within the Ten Commandments?

With respect to monotheism, the argument is yes. The commandments do not assert that there are “actual” other gods. Thus, one can make a “straight face” argument that it is in accord with the Decalogue. On the other hand, one can make the assertion that the Israelite Deity destroyed the other gods. This notion gives rise to question of whether the commandments, at the Mt. Sinai moment, invoked monolatry versus monotheism.

With respect to the creation of evil, there is an argument that Isaiah does further to define the Israelite’s Deity’s role as the creator. Everything was created; including evil. Thus, it is expected that such a Deity would understand and legislate against evil. This is evidenced by the fact that the Decalogue contains provisions against bearing false witness, theft, murder and adultery. Thus, while the creation at its height was determined to be “very good”, it was never defined as being “completely and totally good”.

In light of these definitions provided for within Isaiah, there is much to be discussed. How is there a world with good and evil? Why is there a world of good and evil? What are we to do in a world in which both good and evil exists? Please feel free to comment on these questions. These questions will be addressed in an upcoming post.

In sum, like all pieces of Law, the Ten Commandments, arguably, is subject to clarification as to the language employed within the statute. In order to obtain such clarification, one can look towards other parts of the Hebrew Bible to find them. With respect to this discussion, the language from the Book of Isaiah further refines and defines the Decalogue. The Israelite Deity, as expanded upon in Isaiah, is the only god; an assertion of monotheism as opposed to monolatry. Further, this creator of the universe, is one who not only created good but also created evil. Thus, we are left with philosophical matters relating to whether there was a purpose of having good and evil. Also, we are left with the question of how humanity should deal with the fact that there is good and evil in the world. And finally, we should ask, “how the Hebrew Bible address this question?”

Be well!!

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