Playback speed
The 10 Commandments E4 — Before Yahweh gives the 10 Commandments to Israel, he reminds them that he is the God who liberated them from slavery and is entering into a covenant with them. So how does this connect with the first commandment, “You will have no other gods before me”? And what does that even mean? In this episode, Jon and Tim walk through the 1st Commandment, exploring how a command about ultimate allegiance can keep the newly liberated people of Israel (and us) free.
FULL SHOW NOTES
For chapter-by-chapter summaries, biblical words, referenced Scriptures, and reflection questions, check out the full show notes for this episode.
CHAPTERS
Recap and the Scene When God Gives the 10 Commandments (0:00-12:38)
“Before My Face” (12:38-24:09)
The Meaning of “No Other Elohim” (24:09-33:11)
Allegiance That Leads to Life (33:11-41:21)
OFFICIAL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
View this episode’s official transcript.
THE 10 COMMANDMENTS BIBLEPROJECT TRANSLATION
View our full translation of the 10 Commandments.
REFERENCED RESOURCES
Find the related animated video for this episode here.
Check out Tim’s extensive collection of recommended books.
SHOW MUSIC
“Coffee Crash” by Lofi Sunday feat. Me & The Boys
“Stillness” by Lofi Sunday feat. dannyfreeman
“Faith (Mustard Seed)” by Lofi Sunday feat. Zairis Téjion
BibleProject theme song by TENTS
SHOW CREDITS
Production of today’s episode is by Lindsey Ponder, producer, and Cooper Peltz, managing producer. Tyler Bailey and Aaron Olsen edited today’s episode and provided the sound design and mix. JB Witty writes the show notes. Our host and creative director is Jon Collins, and our lead scholar is Tim Mackie. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Released on 13 Apr 2026
The 10 Commandments E5 — In the ancient world, gods (or elohim in Hebrew) were associated with transcendent forces of nature, and humans created statues (mostly of animals) to represent these forces, known as idols. But in Exodus 20:4-6, Yahweh forbi...
The 10 Commandments E6 — Shakespeare wrote in Romeo and Juliet, “What’s in a name?” In the Bible, it turns out a lot, actually. The creator God Yahweh is the source of all life and good, so his name is the greatest name. But surprisingly, he attaches...
The 10 Commandments E7 — In the 4th Commandment, Yahweh tells Israel to remember the Sabbath and do no work, just as Yahweh does after creating the skies and the land. What’s going on here? What did this commandment mean to ancient Israel, and what s...