The Ten Commandments for Today

by Brian H. Edwards

Publisher:

Day One

, 2002

Overview

At a time when the nation's morality is in alarming decline, it is surprising that so little has been written on the Ten Commandments. Brian Edwards gives us a modern commentary, carefully uncovering their true meaning and incisively applying them to our contemporary society.

Contents

Top Highlights

“The Ten Commandments insist upon respect for God, for parents, for life, for marriage, for property and for truth. Therefore few things should be more important today than a return to understanding and to teaching them.” (Page 10)

“The fourth Commandment is something of a bridge between the two parts of this ‘Decalogue’ (the ‘ten words’); it stands between the first three and the final six in dealing with our relationships both with God and with those who live around us. In fact this Commandment always proved to be an effective barometer of Israel’s spiritual relationship. When Israel was in touch with God they kept the Sabbath day holy, and when they gave up on that it was evident that they were wandering away from him.” (Page 116)

“There are two great values of the Old Testament ceremonial law for us today. First, it helps us to appreciate that worship is a holy thing. God made the ceremonial law so detailed because he was saying to his people: ‘I am a holy God and you must not come to me carelessly.” (Page 15)

“God replied in the words recorded in Exodus 3:14, ‘I AM who I AM.’ In the Hebrew of our Old Testament ‘I AM’ is just one word and it is the word that is translated sometimes in our English versions ‘Jehovah’ or ‘Yahweh’, though more often it is simply printed as lord in capital letters. It was the special name used only by the Jews to describe God. No other tribe or nation or people in the world ever used that name to describe a god of any kind; it was unique to the Israelites.” (Page 98)

“Anything that becomes a lucky charm or mascot is idolatry. Anything that we always carry with us because somehow we feel safe and secure with it. That is an idol. If in doubt we would be well advised to take it out and destroy it. Our willingness to do that is a sure test of whether or not it has become an idol.” (Page 86)

Praise for the Print Edition

Edwards' book finds a well-deserved place at the cutting edge of application of this important theme.

—The Banner of Truth Magazine

This is a highly readable treatment of a vital subject and can be gratefully recommended.

—Evangelical Times

Product Details

• Title: The Ten Commandments for Today
• Author: Brian Edwards
• Publisher: Day One
• Publication Date: 2002
• Pages: 288

About Brian H. Edwards

Brian H. Edwards earned his theological degree at the University of London before entering the pastoral ministry for the next 30 years. He then took on a wider role of preaching and lecturing within the United Kingdom and abroad. Brian has authored or coauthored more than 20 books on theological, historical, and biographical subjects. He and his wife, Barbara, authored the widely used marriage-preparation course No Longer Two.