I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
אָֽנֹכִ֖י֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֶ֑֔יךָ אֲשֶׁ֧ר הוֹצֵאתִ֛יךָ מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם מִבֵּ֣֥ית עֲבָדִ֑͏ֽים׃
13 Church Fathers comment on this verse
The scriptures frequently declare, I am the Lord thy God (Exodus 20:2), emphasizing the significance of His supreme assistance. Earthly rulers may tend toward noble deeds not from a genuine love of righteousness, but rather for their own advantage. Even when they engage in virtuous acts, it is often with self-interest at heart. In contrast, God encourages His followers to remain steadfast in virtuous living, guiding the creations of His hands to lead lives that honor Him.
Another deity is often perceived as being in opposition to our own God. So, who is our God? Clearly, He is the one true God. Who, then, is this 'other, foreign' entity? At its core, it refers to one who is fundamentally different from the essence of the true God. Therefore, if our God is indeed the true God, then if the only begotten Son is not of the essence of the true God, as those in error claim, He would be considered a 'stranger' and not part of us.
It is evident to those who accept the Divine Scriptures that there is one God, not many. As stated at the start of His commandments: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, ...that no one else but Me may be your God’ (Exodus 20:2-3). To those who doubt the Divine Scriptures, we can reason as follows: God is perfect in every aspect—goodness, wisdom, and power—eternal, infinite, existent from the beginning, and wholly flawless. If we were to acknowledge multiple gods, we would need to discern differences among them. If there is no distinction, then it follows that there is one God instead of many; yet if distinctions exist, where then is the perfection? Any lack of perfection in goodness, power, wisdom, time, or space negates the existence of God.
Uniformity in all attributes points to one God rather than many. Furthermore, if numerous gods existed, how could their uniqueness be maintained? Where one exists, another cannot. How would governance by many be possible without leading to chaos or conflict among them? Divergence leads to discord. If it is claimed that each deity manages a separate domain, we must inquire into what instigated this structure and separation; that order would originate from the true God. Thus, there is one God—perfect, ineffable, the Creator and Sustainer of all, sovereign over all that is perfect and transcendent. Additionally, it must be noted that it is through the innate necessity of existence that the singular is the source of the dual.
The initial commandment of the Decalogue clearly declares the reverence and devotion owed to the one true God, while firmly prohibiting the faithful from venerating or serving any created being. It states, I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage: thou shalt have no other gods before me. If we understand that both the Father and the Son proclaim this message simultaneously, it leads us to acknowledge that they are both the one Lord God. However, if one assumes that either the Father without the Son or the Son without the Father made this declaration, it would consequently imply a denial of either the Lord God the Father or the Son. This truth is affirmed in His words: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
What is the initial commandment found on the first tablet? The first commandment on the first tablet states: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage: you shall have no other gods before Me" (Ex. 20:2-3). How should this commandment be understood? This commandment reveals to humanity the knowledge of the Lord God, enabling recognition of His divine nature. God created humanity with the capacity to understand, so that they might acknowledge Him as their Sovereign and Creator and glorify Him.
However, He did not start with the proclamation of creation, saying, "I am God, who created the world," but rather "I am the Lord your God, who delivered you from Egypt," emphasizing a remarkable act that would clarify His divinity in the eyes of the Israelites, encouraging them to understand His nature and worship Him exclusively. The Lord further states: "I have made the earth and man upon it; I have spread out the heavens by My hand; I command all the stars" and adds, "I am the Lord God, and there is no other god" (Isaiah 45:12, 5). Christians are called to uphold this commandment even more diligently than the Jews, for they have been granted greater freedom through our Lord and God. As the Apostle remarks: "He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:15-14). The latter part of this commandment prohibits Israel from worshiping any deity other than this one true God. Thus, this commandment emphasizes the inner, heartfelt glorification of God, originating from a person's understanding of Him. Who violates this commandment, and in what ways? Against this commandment sins of death are found first in those who do not acknowledge God, as stated in the Psalm: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'" (Psalms 52:2). Second, those who create false gods for themselves and offer them adoration as the true God, as the Gentiles did. Third, those who yield themselves to the devil, including magicians and those who imitate their practices, such as individuals who use charms for protection or display superstitious tokens. Fourth, those who adhere to superstitions and rely on them, including those who turn to the superstitions of the elderly during times of illness. Fifth, individuals who attempt to derive signs or omens from various situations. Sixth, those who deny the Orthodox belief that God is one in essence but exists in three Persons. Seventh, those who place more trust in their own efforts than in God's grace and providence, relying instead on their own wisdom, abilities, or the influence and recognition of their peers. Eighth, those who prioritize themselves and temporal possessions over God. In summary, it is sinful against this commandment for anyone who, in any capacity, considers anything other than the true God as their deity and places their hope and trust in it.
In opposition to this divine commandment stands sin, particularly as manifested by the irreverent, idolaters, and those who dismiss God’s Providence in favor of fate; all practitioners of witchcraft, soothsaying, and superstition, as well as those who seek counsel from them; heretics who deviate from a true belief in the Triune God. To summarize, this includes anyone who places greater trust in humanity or their own capabilities, along with material possessions, rather than in God.
Moreover, against this commandment falls anyone who, by their own choice, entertains doubts concerning any aspect of faith or verbally expresses such doubts. Those who harbor animosity toward God, deny His existence, or challenge Him by demanding miracles when they are unnecessary, also stand in error. This includes individuals who have stolen sacred or ecclesiastical belongings, transacted the grace of God for monetary gain, neglected to study the sacraments of faith and Christian teachings, and have engaged with writings contrary to faith and virtue. Additionally, those who lack proper reverence for holy things, fail to confess with sincere reflection and a firm intention to amend their ways, or receive the Most Blessed Sacrament while in a state of mortal sin are culpable. Anyone who has misappropriated church property, given up hope in God’s mercy, or planned to sin while intending to repent later shares in this error. Lastly, this includes those who have advised or aided in any of these transgressions, or have failed to act to prevent them through their words or actions.
Interpretation: The first commandment instructs us to recognize with our hearts and proclaim with our voices the existence of one true God, embracing an understanding of His divine qualities as revealed through the Scriptures.
The first commandment instructs us to recognize and worship the one true God. When God declares, "I am the Lord your God," He is revealing Himself to humanity and urging us to acknowledge Him as our Lord. How can we come to know God? The command to know Him implies several important responsibilities: Firstly, we should prioritize gaining knowledge about God above all else; we ought to attentively absorb teachings concerning God and His mighty works within the Church and engage in devout discussions about these matters at home. Additionally, we should read or listen to texts that impart knowledge about God, especially the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the saints.
What responsibilities pertain to our internal devotion? The following are key elements of our inner reverence for God: to have faith in God; to live in His presence, which means continually remembering Him and acting wisely, for He observes not only our deeds but also our innermost thoughts; to hold a healthy fear of God, seeing the wrath of our heavenly Father as a severe misfortune, leading us to avoid actions that might anger Him; to maintain hope in His promises; to love God; to remain obedient to His will, being consistently prepared to follow His commands without complaint; to venerate God as the supreme being; to glorify Him as the epitome of perfection; to offer thanks to God as our Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer; and to seek His assistance as the benevolent and omnipotent supporter in all our endeavors.
What are our obligations regarding external worship? The various responsibilities of external worship include confessing our faith in God, openly acknowledging Him as our God, and refusing to deny Him even in times of suffering or peril; participating in the communal worship instituted by God and recognized by the Orthodox Church.
What are the transgressions against the first commandment? Violations include atheism, as described by the Psalmist, where individuals, desiring to evade the fear of divine judgment, declare in their hearts, "There is no God" (Psalm 13:1). Polytheism arises when people acknowledge numerous false deities instead of the one true God. Unbelief manifests in those who concede that God exists yet fail to trust in His providence and revelation. Heresy occurs when individuals introduce ideas into the faith that contradict Divine truth, while schism refers to the deliberate separation from the unity of God’s worship and the Orthodox Catholic Church. Apostasy is the act of renouncing true faith due to fear or for personal gain. Despair is the failure to maintain hope for grace and salvation from God. Engagement in magic signifies a shift from reliance on God’s power to belief in the malevolent forces of creation. Superstition involves believing that certain commonplace objects possess divine power and relying on them instead of God, such as thinking an old book can offer salvation over a new one despite the similarities in doctrine. Other transgressions include apathy towards the teachings of godliness, neglecting prayer and public worship, loving anything over God, trying to please others at the expense of pleasing God, and trusting in human strength rather than divine assistance.
How can I fulfill my obligations to God? To fulfill these duties, one must practice self-denial. According to the words of the Lord Jesus Christ, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself" (Mark 8:34). What does self-denial entail? St. Basil the Great explains that overcoming the old self—characterized by corrupt desires and worldly distractions—is essential in renouncing oneself. True self-denial involves detachment from life and contemplating death without reliance on one’s own strength.
Is there comfort for one who has denied himself? Yes, a person who has denied himself, despite missing out on many natural pleasures, can experience the profound console of divine grace, which remains unshaken even amid suffering. As we bear the afflictions of Christ, so too, our consolation through Him is abundant (2 Cor. 1:5). Whom else should we revere while upholding the first commandment? The command to honor the singular God also encompasses the appropriate veneration of angels and saints, as we recognize and celebrate the grace of God manifest within them, through whom we seek divine assistance.
The foundation of all commandments is found in the declaration, ‘I am the Lord your God; ... let no other gods be to you, but me,’ declares the Lord God. This commandment places upon us two responsibilities: to recognize God and to revere Him. In essence, this encompasses both faith and godliness. Together, faith and godliness encompass all the requisite attitudes and actions we are to direct towards God.
"I am the Lord your God ... (Exodus 20:2, 3) In the midst of thunder and lightning, the voice of the Lord resounds from the summit of Mount Sinai, delivering His divine decrees to His chosen people, Israel. In the foremost commandment, He identifies Himself as the sole true God, asserting, ‘I am the Lord your God: you shall have no other gods but Me!’ I alone am your Lord and God, the genuine God, unparalleled by any. I am the One you shall acknowledge; I am your Lord who eternally exists, the everlasting God. I am the Creator of all things, the One able to accomplish everything according to My will; I am Almighty God. I am your God, who has consistently shown grace and is ever willing to provide for all that is necessary and beneficial: I am the God of all goodness. I am your God, who perceives all, who sees everything at all times, who comprehends all that has been, that is, and that will be: I am the all-seeing and all-knowing God. I am your God, before whom every vice and injustice is repugnant, and every goodness and truth is delightful, judging all human actions, words, and thoughts according to divine truth: I am the entirely righteous and genuine God. I am your God, who is perpetually present everywhere, overseeing all creation and sovereign over all: I am the omnipresent and infinite God, constantly unchanging, wholly sufficient, and always blessed. I am your God, the incorporeal and infinite Spirit, the pure and most holy Spirit. Acknowledge Me alone as the supreme God. This is the essence of who the Lord our God is. There is nothing and no one higher or mightier, better or more beautiful, more perfect or holy than our true God. While the world presents many instances of beauty, they pale in comparison to the beauty of God. The strength and might of the world are insignificant next to God’s power; our God embodies the eternal truth, the unending good, the unspeakable beauty that cannot be fully expressed or comprehended. In summary, He is the one true God: ‘I am,’ declares the Lord, ‘you shall have no other gods but Me. I command you to have no other gods but Me, for I am the only true God. Do not entertain thoughts or declarations of any other gods besides this true God. This is what God commands and what the Holy Orthodox Church teaches day and night with its Creed: I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. Let me illustrate this further. You have an earthly father, whom we will call Paul. You affirm that your father is unequivocally Paul and not Peter or Basil; you know that he, Paul, is indeed your father and apart from him, you have no other father. Apply this same reasoning to God. When you hear His holy commandment, ‘I am the Lord your God,’ remember and believe that apart from this one true God, worshipped in the Holy Trinity, there was not, is not, and cannot be any other gods. This is the essence of the first commandment. The Lord God commands that we strive first and foremost to know and honor Him. You cannot truly know without learning. Just as you can work, read, and write because you learned how, so too, how can we come to know God if we do not seek to learn about Him? Begin by understanding God from His Holy Word—read or listen to the Holy Scriptures, the writings of the Holy Fathers, and other spiritual literature. Attend the Church frequently, attentively listening to the readings and hymns, diligently absorbing the Church’s teachings regarding God and His works. Engage in pious conversations about God and the holy faith whenever you can; and contemplate the marvelous acts of God. Observe the beautiful world He created: how wisely the Creator arranged everything, and how His goodness, love, omnipotence, and omnipresence are evident in all of it! The more you come to know Him and the more you revere and honor Him, the stronger your faith, hope, and love towards Him will become. Believing in God means accepting as true, with all your heart, not only what you can comprehend about Him, but also what you are unable to grasp—what God Himself reveals about His nature, what the Holy Orthodox Church teaches, and what the holy Fathers expound on God. Acknowledge it all, affirm that it is the absolute truth, the divine knowledge, even if it is beyond your understanding. Only then will you be an orthodox Christian, believing in God correctly and genuinely. For example, you may struggle to comprehend how God is omnipresent, that He exists everywhere, at every location simultaneously, being all of God in Heaven and all of God on earth, all of God in the temple and all of God in your home—He is with me, with you, with every person all at once. You cannot fully grasp this, as you cannot be in two places at once; when you are in church, for example, you are not at home. Yet God asserts that He is the omnipresent God, and the Holy Church teaches that He is indeed everywhere at every moment. Thus, you must believe and accept that our God is omnipresent. Use this same reasoning for other attributes, such as that He sees all, hears all, knows all, is omniscient, is present everywhere, and accomplishes all things. Rely on God evermore, anticipating His assistance in every good work, regularly asserting: ‘I am weak on my own and can accomplish nothing unless God helps me.’ For instance, when sowing a field, do not claim, ‘I worked hard, cultivated the field well, and sowed at the right time,’ for your harvest will be lacking without hope in God. Heading out on a journey? Contemplate upon possible failures or misfortunes, but remember that God is my helper and protector; even through the valleys of despair, I will fear no evil with Him by my side. If you or an acquaintance, or even a beloved pet, should fall ill, do not react as the unknowing; instead, elevate your grief to the Lord and say, ‘Thy will be done, O Lord.’ Always remind yourself: ‘The Lord is with me; He sees and knows everything, and whatever He chooses to do for me shall be accomplished. May His holy will prevail in all things!’ This embodies what it means to place your hope in God. Our Lord and Savior Himself demonstrates how we must love God, stating: ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind’ (Matthew 22:37). This signifies our calling to love God above all others and all worldly matters. You should love God with every facet of your being: love Him with your heart, love Him with your soul, love Him with your mind, love Him in both word and deed, love Him always, in every circumstance of your life. If you believe that God is the greatest, the strongest, and closest to you, then you will perceive that He must be the most cherished being in your life, to whom your love must be first and foremost. You might wonder, ‘How is it possible to love God over everything else?’ Consider whom you treasure in this world. You might love your parents, your spouse, your children, your relatives, and your friends—these are all worthy of love. But reflect on this: Who bestowed upon you your father and mother, your spouse, your children, and every cherished possession?—It is God, without a doubt. If God has given you these blessings, should you not then love Him more than your parents or anything else that brings you joy in your life? Should you fail to love God, He has the power to take away all that you cherish most, for all that is good comes from Him. If your father is good, your mother is good, your spouse and children are good, remember to turn your heart to God and continually remind yourself: ‘Lord, You are good and merciful to me, a sinner; You have provided all good things for me. I love them for Your sake, but I love You even more, as You are the Giver of everything!’ But if you find yourself without parents, a spouse, or children, and you feel impoverished and alone in this world? It may be even simpler for you to love God above all! If orphaned, recall the words of the psalmist: ‘Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up,’ declaring God as your Father. ‘I will love You, O Lord, my strength!’ If you are in want and suffering, remember that God is ever-present with you: in your needs, in your loneliness, in your orphaned state, and in your helplessness—He is always here, working for you. How can we not cherish Him more than anything else? Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. Amen.
By the first commandment, God instructs in His divine service that no one else should receive honor or be called upon for assistance but Him alone. I am the Lord your God; let no human be considered your father, nor let anyone else be your helper but the Lord your God. Upon reflection, one may think that these divine words dismiss the invocation of God's saints, who reside in heaven with Christ. Yet, the calling upon saints is supported by various passages of Scripture, such as the Book of Job (Job 5:1): ‘Call, if there be any that will hear thee, or any holy angel that will speak to thee.’ It is also clear from the words of the prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 15:1): ‘The word of the Lord came to me, saying, If Moses and Samuel stand before Me, My soul cannot be towards these people.’ How can we reconcile these statements with the commandment, ‘I am the Lord your God; let no one be your father but Me?’
**Explanation.** When we grasp the true intent of this commandment, we can recognize that seeking help solely from God does not contradict invoking the saints. It is crucial to understand the following:
1. The purpose of this commandment is to restore and maintain knowledge of the one true God. It compels everyone to honor, fear, and love Him as the Creator of all the good we enjoy, and for what we anticipate in the age to come. Therefore, it becomes apparent what God prohibits us with this command: He forbids us from relying on anyone else for our salvation and well-being, from seeking other objects for our hope and trust, and from fearing any other being in heaven or on earth. He forbids us from placing our hope in our own efforts, in friends or associates, and in our wealth and possessions, for all that we treasure cannot aid us unless the merciful God, through His grace, assists us. As expressed through ‘I am the Lord your God,’ God invites all to recognize Him as the Lord of all creation; thus, by this commandment, He forbids us to grumble against His wise counsel, for ourselves or for others.
2. Understanding the divine purpose of this commandment allows us to appreciate its directives. It instructs us to live rightly before God, to seek His blessing in all our endeavors, to thank Him for all favors received, and to do so genuinely—with our hearts more than mere words, for God, known as the Omniscient, knows everything.
3. From the above points, we deduce the following: When we call upon God's holy hosts, we do not invoke them as though they were God; instead, we respectfully call upon the saints as intermediaries for our needs and prayers. This clearly shows that we turn to God alone with our needs, regarding Him as the supreme Lord and our most powerful Sheriff over all creation—the Giver of all gifts, the Source of all blessings, and as we live, move, and exist (Acts 17:38), according to the Holy Spirit’s words. The saints serve as intercessors for our salvation, guiding our prayers.
The foremost commandment of God's law is to know Him. "I am the Lord your God" serves as the foundation of this instruction, calling on humanity to recognize that there should be no other deities aside from Him. This divine mandate emphasizes that God declares to each individual, "I am your God; besides Me, you shall have no other gods." Through this command, the Lord conveys His essential truth to all people.
Throughout history, individuals have called upon God, and they universally recognize that He is as vital to the soul as air and sustenance are to the body. Only the fool, as expressed by King David, declares in his heart, "There is no God" (Psalm 13:1). However, various interpretations of God have emerged, leading some to even worship inanimate objects such as stone, wood, and creatures as worthy of homage. The Lord has revealed that He alone is the true God, and as Christians, we possess a clear understanding of God based on His heavenly teachings. We affirm that God is spirit, omnipresent, omniscient, and entirely just, desiring goodness for all creation. Our God is a loving Father, an all-powerful Creator and Provider who ensures justice for each according to their deeds.
Our souls seek this God, finding in Him the solace to our deepest thoughts, feelings, and desires. He is the essence of peace, comfort, and protection—the Source of life itself. It is essential to note that we should not instill fear of God in our children; our God is not a harsh punisher but a nurturing Father and Benefactor. Even in the rightful punishments administered to us, His love is evident, guiding us toward correction and enlightenment. In cultivating a young child's heart, we must inspire affection and love for God, revealing that no one bestows as much goodness upon us or cares for us as He does. Obedience to God should stem not from terror but from love and gratitude. True love dispels fear; where love is, fear cannot exist. Wise parents encourage obedience through kindness rather than punishment. Children possess tender and impressionable hearts—binding them to you in love is not a difficult task.
For grown Christians, it is not commendable to approach God solely with fear, avoiding wrongdoing merely to escape punishment. We must not violate the Lord’s will first and foremost out of a desire not to grieve our heavenly Father. Just as good children strive to please their parents, so should we, as children of our divine Father, refrain from actions that displease God. We are called to love God with all our heart and soul, for love teaches us how to walk in His ways. Genuine love is rooted in understanding; if our love for God is lacking, it is a sign of insufficient knowledge of Him. Those who have truly known God, to the extent that human understanding allows, possess a steadfast love for Him, a love impervious to the trials of life or death. This is as it should be because God embodies perfect truth, goodness, and beauty. To know God and not love Him is inconceivable.
In this first commandment, the Lord invites us to understand Him: "I am your God." It is essential for our own happiness and fulfillment that we know God. Our souls, created in His image and likeness, are in relentless pursuit of Him. Only when we are close to God through our thoughts and actions do we find peace and contentment. Conversely, when we stray from Him into deception and falsehood, we experience a profound emptiness and longing, a truth evident in our own experiences. We can only reach understanding of God, as much as is available to humanity, through leading a life of goodness and pursuing righteous deeds. Scripture says, "Wisdom will not enter a wicked soul" (Prem. 1:4), and Jesus declared that "the pure in heart shall see God" (Matt. 5:8).
However, it is critical to recognize the distinction between different modes of knowing: intellectual knowledge versus experiential knowledge from the heart. The former can be sterile and lifeless, while the latter is heartfelt and dynamic. The first commandment speaks to this heart knowledge, which is evidenced through our actions and life. We are called to embrace the truth firmly, live in accordance with God’s will, and love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and strength; this is the foremost commandment. Amen.
The initial commandment urges humanity to revere God, primarily by engaging the mind, as the mind governs and directs our entire being.
The foremost commandment highlights the assurance from the Lord to Israel concerning the blessings they had recently received, simultaneously invoking the profound name of I Am, which is the only divine name deserving of Israel's reverence. While in Egypt, Israel had strayed from a lofty comprehension of God as the Creator, and thus they needed to be instructed in fundamental truths that aligned with their understanding.
Some believe that the account of the Exodus includes commandments along with additional commentary not inscribed on the tablets, where the first commandment is articulated as, “I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Scholars like Otto Gerlach and Cook note that in the proclamation of these commandments, no specific penalties were stipulated for transgressions. They resonated with human conscience, reached out to the spiritual essence of humanity, and conveyed eternal principles. In contrast, subsequent legislation that followed the commandments instituted penalties, structured societal life, and ensured that offenses were addressed as seen in every organized community. However, the Ten Commandments, solemnly declared at Mount Sinai, represent the foundational principles of human existence and serve as a guiding light for all nations.
Passages read together with this verse.
THEOSIS