Reason For Commands

Monday February 23, 2026

Reasons for Commands.  When we think about the Old Testament, we probably, at least in part, think about the Law of Moses.  God gave His law to His people through Moses.  When we think about these commands, we might picture them as a list of do’s and don’ts.  One of the most popular pictures is the Ten Commandments.  Why did God give His people commands?  Why didn’t God just rescue them from Egypt and lead them to Canaan, the Promise Land, and let them live there without restrictions?  We know how disobedient Israel was in the wilderness, don’t we?  The truth is, left to our own devices, we would destroy everything, even ourselves.  This is why God has ordained government, so that there are laws and order.  But, instead of looking at these Laws or Commands as a burden, maybe we should view them the way God intended them and understand their purpose.  They were a blessing.  First, their instructions were to listen to the commands they were being taught so that they may live, enter, and take possession of the land the Lord was giving them (Deuteronomy 4:1).  They were to NOT add or take anything away from the commands (v.2).  Next, carefully following these commands would show their wisdom and understanding in the eyes of the people (v.6).  When other people (nations) hear about all these commands, they will say, “This great nation is indeed a wise and understanding people.  For what great nation is there that has a god near to it as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call to Him?” (v.6-7).  Lastly, if we skip a couple of chapters over, we read, “The Lord commanded us to follow all these statutes and to fear the Lord our God for our prosperity always and for our preservation, as it is today” (Deuteronomy 6:24).  God’s intent for His children is good.  Commands are not suggestions.  When we obey them, we do well.  We are no longer under the law of Moses, but we are under the law of Christ.  Jesus said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).  What are the commandments of Christ?  Are we diligent to keep them?