June 25, 2025
DAILY BIBLE READING
Exodus 20 – The Ten Commandments – God’s Eternal Order
God’s voice from Sinai – A call to love, freedom, and responsibility
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Bible Text – Exodus 20 (KJV)
1 And God spake all these words, saying,
2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:
10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:
11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.
12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
13 Thou shalt not kill.
14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.
15 Thou shalt not steal.
16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.
18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
22 And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.
23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.
24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.
25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.
26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
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Introduction
The Ten Commandments are among the most well-known passages in the Bible—yet they are far more than just religious rules. They are the constitution of freedom for a people who had just escaped slavery. At Mount Sinai, God Himself speaks—clearly, directly, without a mediator. What follows is not a cold law code, but a declaration of love: Whoever loves God will honor His commandments. And those who live by them protect not only themselves, but also those around them.
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Commentary
1. God introduces Himself (vv. 1–2)
“I am the Lord your God…”
The Decalogue does not begin with a command, but with a reminder of God’s grace. These commandments are not a path to salvation—they are a response to already given deliverance.
2. Relationship to God (vv. 3–11)
The first four commandments define our connection with God:
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No other gods → exclusivity in relationship
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No images → God is greater than any symbol
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Honor God’s name → reverence and responsibility in speech
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Keep the Sabbath holy → time for rest, trust, and fellowship
The Sabbath is unique: it links creation, remembrance, worship, and social justice. Even servants and animals are called to rest—a revolutionary idea.
3. Relationship to others (vv. 12–17)
Six commandments that protect human relationships:
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Family (Honor your parents)
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Life (Do not kill)
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Faithfulness (Do not commit adultery)
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Property (Do not steal)
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Truth (Do not bear false witness)
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Desire (Do not covet)
These commandments go beyond external behavior and address the attitude of the heart.
4. God’s holiness revealed (vv. 18–21)
The people tremble—they hear God’s voice, see fire and smoke. His holiness is not tame, but neither is it destructive. It invites reverence, not fear.
5. No idols – but an altar (vv. 22–26)
God reminds them: “You have heard me speak from heaven.” Therefore, no idols! Instead, He offers a simple form of worship—an altar of earth or uncut stones. No technology, no steps—just humility.
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Summary
The Ten Commandments are not primarily a law book, but an invitation to a life of relationship—with God, with others, and with oneself. They bring structure, freedom, and dignity. They reveal God’s heart: holy and just, yet full of mercy.
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Message for Us Today
We live in an age of self-definition, personal “truth,” and moral flexibility. The Ten Commandments challenge us:
What is truly unshakable? What protects us—and others?
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Do you have other “gods” in your life? (Career, self-image, possessions…?)
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Do you intentionally make Sabbath time for God?
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Are your relationships shaped by truth, loyalty, and respect?
God’s commandments are not chains—they are walls of protection for true freedom. Those who walk in them live in God’s order—and discover peace, identity, and purpose.
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Thought Impulse – Freedom Through Order
The Ten Commandments are not a chain that binds—but a railing that holds.
God didn’t give Israel His commandments to control them—but to protect them. In a world where “freedom” often means limitless autonomy, the Decalogue reminds us:
True freedom requires direction.
Ask yourself today:
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What really shapes my decisions—God’s Word or my emotions?
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To what or whom have I (perhaps unconsciously) given divine status?
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What would my daily life look like if I saw the commandments as expressions of God’s love, not as burdens?
Maybe it’s time to listen again—to the voice that spoke at Sinai… and still changes hearts today.
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June 22 – 28, 2025
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING
Ellen G. White │ Patriarchs and Prophets – Chapter 13
The Test of Faith
Read online here
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Introduction
Abraham – the father of faith. And yet, his faith wasn’t a static possession, but a journey shaped by challenges, doubts, and divine tests. In Chapter 13 of Patriarchs and Prophets, it becomes clear: true faith proves itself not in the easy times, but in the difficult ones.
God tested Abraham with a command that is almost impossible to comprehend: “Sacrifice your son, your only son, whom you love.” This story is not just an ancient tale about a man long ago – it is a mirror reflecting our own journey of faith.
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Commentary
1. The Beginning of Doubt (Hagar and Ishmael)
- Abraham accepts God’s promise – but does not wait patiently.
- Sarah’s suggestion to take Hagar as a wife is a human solution to a divine promise.
- Consequences: unrest, jealousy, brokenness in the family, mockery, and rejection.
Lesson: When we replace God’s timing with our own methods, we create conflict, not solutions.
2. God’s Promise Stands (Isaac is born)
- Despite human mistakes, God renews His promise.
- Isaac – the child of the miracle – becomes the center of the covenant.
- Ishmael and Hagar are sent away – with divine comfort, but not without pain.
Lesson: God’s plans prevail, even when we take detours. His faithfulness remains constant.
3. The Great Test – The Sacrifice of Isaac
- Abraham receives the hardest command: Sacrifice your son.
- Inner struggle, silence, prayer – no excuses, only obedience.
- Isaac shows willing obedience – he is not forced, but trusts.
- At the last moment, God intervenes: a ram is sacrificed in Isaac’s place.
Lesson:
- Faith without works is dead (James 2:17).
- God tests to strengthen – not to destroy.
- Obedience is rewarded – even when we don’t understand everything.
4. God’s Covenant and Prophetic Meaning
- God confirms His covenant with Abraham through an oath.
- The ram as a substitute offering prophetically points to Christ.
- Even angels gain deeper understanding of the plan of redemption through this scene (see 1 Peter 1:10–12).
Lesson: This story is a prophetic shadow of Golgotha.
God gave what Abraham did not have to give – His only Son.
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Summary
Chapter 13 shows: Faith doesn’t mean never doubting – it means trusting despite the doubts.
Abraham’s life is a journey from impatience to surrender, from human solutions to divine obedience.
The greatest evidence of his faith was not words, but action. And in that obedience, God’s grace is revealed: He saves – through a sacrifice He Himself provides.
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Message for Us Today
God doesn’t test to destroy, but to strengthen.
True faith is shown in action, not in talk.
Obedience to God may cost sacrifice – but it is never in vain.
God’s timing is better than our own impatience.
Our trust in God often becomes most visible when we understand the least.
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Reflection Question
What would you do if God asked something “incomprehensible” of you?
Are there “Ishmaels” in your life – human solutions trying to replace God’s promises?
How is your obedience shown today – even when no one sees it?
Do you know the God who provides “a ram” for you – the solution, when you are ready to trust?
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/25-06-2025-exodus-chapter-20-believe-his-prophets/
