Some commentators break down the Ten Commandments into two sections, five-and-five. The first group of five are laws detailing one’s relationship with God; the second set dealing with purely human relations. Does the Torah Portion Vayikra’s Ten Commandments’ moment dispel this assertion? Vayikra includes the following passage relevant to the Decalogue: “And the Lord spokeContinue reading “A Ten Commandments’ Moment From Vayikra: A Legit Split?”
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A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Solomon’s Failure
Much wisdom can be imparted from Solomon’s demise. The King’s penchant for many wives and concubines set in motion the united Israelite monarchy’s destruction. Inevitably, a violation of the Ten Commandments brought forth the fracture. The First Book of Kings reports that: “Solomon grew old [and] his wives swayed his heart after gods of others,Continue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Solomon’s Failure”
Pedukei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Haftorah
And all the work that King Solomon had wrought in the house of the Lord was finished… And the Lord has established his word that he spoke, and I have risen up in the place of David my father, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord spoke, and have built a houseContinue reading “Pedukei’s Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Haftorah”
A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Payoff
What is the purpose for observing the Ten Commandments? In a poignant moment in Israelite history, the Book of Kings answers. This answer provided is often repeated throughout scripture. Near the end of David’s life, his last reported instructions to Solomon were as follows: “I am going the way of all the earth; be strongContinue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: The Payoff”
A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Vows To Make & Vows To Break
Post-Pentatuch, Scripture must be scrutinized over its treatment the Ten Commandments. This treatment should consider both the reported periods of biblical history as well the period of the text’s composition. In both periods, there was an understanding of Ten Commandments. During various periods of time, it should be appreciated that meanings and applications possibly varied.Continue reading “A Book of Kings Ten Commandments’ Moment: Vows To Make & Vows To Break”
Lost In Translation? “Shall” or “May”
Legalese is full of magical incantation; alchemous word precision can secure financial victory or exact an extended incarceration. With these stakes, Judges and Lawyers use their words wisely. Ambiguity within legalese is the murky moat of despair. As such, translations of legal works can serve as bucketfuls of polluted moat water. Unclear, imprecise and biasedContinue reading “Lost In Translation? “Shall” or “May””
A Ten Commandments’ Moment from Ki Tisa: Coveting
Ki Tisa brings forth the Torah’s ultimate vision of fairness and accountability. With respect to the costs for thr Tent of Meeting, the following edict was issued: “The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: When you take the sum of the Children of Israel according to their numbers, let each one give to the Lord anContinue reading “A Ten Commandments’ Moment from Ki Tisa: Coveting”
A Second Book of Samuel Ten Commandments’ Moment: Another Ten Commandments Re-Boot?
The Second Book of Samuel details King David reign as Israel’s king. Prior to his monarchy, Samuel had conceded to the Israelites’ demand for a king. With this, Saul was made king. With this governance change from tribal confederation to monarchy, Samuel laid out the terms and costs. As the Saul’s monarchy failed the Lord’sContinue reading “A Second Book of Samuel Ten Commandments’ Moment: Another Ten Commandments Re-Boot?”
In Every Generation A Light: Tetzaveh
“… you shall command the Children of Israel that they shall bring clear pressed olive oil to you for the light, to keep up a lamp always.” Exodus 27:20. The lighting of this lamp was “an eternal law through their generations from the Children of Israel.” Exodus 27. When leaving our houses, to save energy,Continue reading “In Every Generation A Light: Tetzaveh”
A Book of Samuel Ten Commandments’ Moment: Eli’s Sons
Can violating one of the Ten Commandments wipe out a family’s eternal destiny? The Book of Samuel answers this question. In doing so, the Book of Samuel, in the tale of Eli’s sons, reveals a great insight into the commandments to honor one’s parents. During the time when the Kohen Priest Eli is apprenticing Samuel,Continue reading “A Book of Samuel Ten Commandments’ Moment: Eli’s Sons”
The Ten Commandments Project 