The Commandment of the LORD refers to the divine instructions and decrees given by God to His people, as recorded in the Holy Scriptures. These commandments are foundational to the moral, spiritual, and social life of believers, serving as a guide for righteous living and a means to maintain a covenant relationship with God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Commandment of the LORD is most prominently represented by the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses on Mount Sinai. These commandments are recorded in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21. They encompass directives concerning the worship of God, the sanctity of life, family, property, and truth. The first four commandments focus on the relationship between God and humanity, emphasizing the exclusivity of worship, the prohibition of idolatry, the reverence for God's name, and the observance of the Sabbath. The remaining six commandments address interpersonal relationships, underscoring the importance of honoring parents, and prohibiting murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and covetousness.

The Commandment of the LORD extends beyond the Decalogue to include various laws and statutes found throughout the Pentateuch. These laws cover aspects of civil, ceremonial, and moral life, reflecting God's holiness and His desire for His people to be set apart. In Deuteronomy 6:1-2, Moses emphasizes the importance of these commandments: "These are the commandments and statutes and ordinances that the LORD your God has instructed me to teach you to follow in the land that you are about to enter and possess, so that you and your children and grandchildren may fear the LORD your God all the days of your lives by keeping all His statutes and commandments that I give you, and so that your days may be prolonged."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ affirms the enduring significance of the Commandment of the LORD. In Matthew 5:17-18, He declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." Jesus encapsulates the essence of the commandments in the Great Commandment, which emphasizes love for God and love for neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). This dual commandment reflects the heart of the Law and the Prophets, as love becomes the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10).

The apostolic writings further expound on the Commandment of the LORD, highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit in enabling believers to live according to God's commands. In John 14:15, Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." The New Testament teaches that obedience to God's commandments is a demonstration of love for Him and is made possible through the transformative work of the Holy Spirit (1 John 5:3).

Theological Significance

The Commandment of the LORD is central to the covenant relationship between God and His people. It reveals God's character, His holiness, and His expectations for human conduct. The commandments serve as a mirror, reflecting humanity's need for redemption and pointing to the necessity of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. They are not merely legalistic requirements but are intended to lead believers into a deeper relationship with God and with one another.

Throughout Scripture, the Commandment of the LORD is portrayed as life-giving and beneficial. Psalm 19:7-8 declares, "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." These verses underscore the transformative power of God's commandments, which bring wisdom, joy, and enlightenment to those who follow them.

In summary, the Commandment of the LORD encompasses the divine instructions given to guide believers in their relationship with God and others. It is fulfilled in Christ and is made effective in the lives of believers through the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live in accordance with God's will.