What is the first commandment given in the Ten Commandments?

• A. Thou shalt not steal
• B. Thou shalt honor thy father and mother
• C. Thou shalt have no other gods before me
• D. Thou shalt not covet

Answer: (C)

The first commandment given in the Ten Commandments is "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." This commandment emphasizes the importance of monotheism in the worship of God, establishing a foundational principle that prioritizes devotion to one God above all else. The commandment serves to reinforce the exclusive relationship that believers should have with God, distinguishing Him from other deities or idols and setting the tone for the entire moral and ethical framework that follows in the commandments.

This commandment is critical because it not only defines the nature of the relationship between God and His people but also serves as a basis for the following commandments, which further delineate ethical conduct and responsibilities. The instruction to place God first reflects the theological and social implications of Israelite identity and carries significant weight in the context of covenantal faithfulness.