What Are the Ten Commandments [Paperback]

Learn the story behind the ten laws that have been the guiding light of Judeo-Christian belief.

Not just about Moses, whose origin story leaves open questions, this book looks back at the time when the commandments were written, how the belief in one all-powerful God set the Israelites apart from other ancient peoples, and the roles the Ten Commandments have played in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It also looks at what each individual commandment means and how together they form the basis of leading a moral life as well as forming a just government.Yona Zeldis McDonough is the author ofWhat Was the Underground Railroad?,Who Was Rosa Parks?,Who Was John F. Kennedy?,Who Was Louis Armstrong?,Who Was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart?,andWho Was Harriet Tubman? What Are the Ten Commandments?
 
 
c. 1446 BC
 
According to the Old Testament of the Bible, for three long months, Moses led his people, the ancient Israelites, as they escaped from Egypt into the desert. The land was parched and dry. The sun was scorching. The journey was long. But everyone believed God would protect them and lead them to the Promised Land. Finally, they came to Mount Sinai and pitched their tents—600,000 men, as well as women and children.
 
Leaving his followers, Moses went up Mount Sinai, where he heard God’s words. God said that if the children of Israel obeyed His laws, He would make them His Chosen People—special in His eyes. God also said He had a gift for them. He would give it to Moses in three days.
 
Moses shared this news with the Israelites. He told them to begin praying because God had promised to appear again to Moses very soon. The Israelites spent the next three days in prayer. On the third day, a thick cloud appeared above the mountain. That was not all. There were claps of thunder and bolts of lightning. There was also the loud, powerful sló+