The Ten Commandments Project Blog
The False Prophet: A Biblical Literacy Moment
False prophets? How do we know? The Torah Portion Re’eh defines a false scriptural prophet. Not only does Re’eh address the deity-prophet relationship, but it also addresses the biblical concepts of both testing as well as an individual’s heart. Given the multitude of issues raised within the passage, understanding the prophets’ bona fides within the…
Who Is He? Definitions: Eikev: A Ten Commandments’ Moment
The Ten Commandments, being a contract, identifies the parties. In the Decalogue, “I am the Lord, your God” is the party of the first part, and the party of the second part are the individuals he brought out from the Land of Egypt. Exodus 20:2 Give this limited description of the part of the first…
Moshe’s Ten Commandments
The mind-boggling part of the Ten Commandments is the multitude of versions. In Hebrew alone, there is the original Exodus version, the Deuteronomy version, and even a Dead Sea Scrolls version. In English translations, there are quite a number. Translated versions are driven for multitude of reasons; theology, accuracy and brevity are all factors. These…
A Biblical Literacy Moment: Deuteronomy 8:3
The phrase Man does not live on bread alone is not only a classic, it’s biblical. The line is part of a theologically deep passage that was so significant that it was even referenced in later scripture. Additionally, the well-crafted English translation has taken a life of its own. It connotes a different meaning within…
The Introduction to The Ten Commandments: Va’etchanan
Lawmakers often provide a write-up when enacting a new law. These introductions can include anything from a legislative history to an explanation of the bill’s intent. In the Torah Portion Va’etchanan, Moses introduces the Ten Commandments to all of Israel. In doing so, he imparts essential information for grasping the biblical understanding of the Decalogue.…
Talking to Strangers: The Truth Default
Is the truth special? Malcolm Gladwell’s Talking to Strangers provides answers. In Talking to Strangers, Gladwell takes on veracity. One takeaway from Gladwell’s exploration is that truth- the concept- is inextricably intertwined into humanity’s fabric. The human connection to the truth is not only profound, it may be biological. Humans, as the book reveals, possess…
Second Law, Second Audience: D’varim
The Book of Deuteronomy begins with the Torah Portion D’varim. In D’varim, Moses begins his final speech on the other side of the Jordan River to all of Israel. Deuteronomy 1:1. The Book of Deuteronomy stands out from the rest of the Pentateuch. Scholars and theologians focus often address Deuteronomy’s significance as either second law…
Matot’s Ten Commandments’ Moment
The prohibition from “using the Lord’s name in vain” is the Decalogue Commandment featured in the Torah Portion Matot. Various Matot passages specifically address vows and oaths. Oaths and vows are not only prevalent throughout the Hebrew Bible but have also been consequential. Beyond theological concerns, oaths and vows are necessary for building societies. They…
Phinehas: The Torah’s Executive MBA Program
It takes a visionary who explores the past, the present, and the future to fill top executive positions. God, in the Torah Portion Phinehas, offers up a Master Class on hiring practices. In the portion, he has the daunting task of replacing both his Prophet- national leader- as well as his High Priest- religious leader.…
Scripture’s Impactful Reference in Antiquity: The Balak Passage That Changed History
A Torah Portion Balak’s impactful passage resonates in history. It was referenced as part of a historical event from antiquity. In the post-biblical Book of the Maccabees, the portion Balak is cited during a transformative event; an event that shaped present day history and theology. The Balak passage, however, due to its graphic and violent…
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The Ten Commandments Project 