The Ten Commandments

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

Some have mistakenly supposed that the Ten Commandments were a part of the law of Moses. In fact, they are a part of the higher law or the fulness of the gospel. This is illustrated by their reiteration to us as part of the restoration of all things (see D&C 59:5-12). The Ten Commandments were a part of the fulness of the gospel as first given to Moses on Sinai. Though the higher priesthood and its ordinances were taken from Israel because of her transgressions, when Moses returned to Sinai to receive what we know as the law of Moses the Ten Commandments were retained as a part of Israel’s covenant with God. The tablets upon which the commandments were written were then housed in the Ark of the Covenant, so named because the commandments constituted their covenant. Similarly, when the Ark of the Covenant was housed in the tabernacle in the wilderness it became known as the Ark of the Testimony (Exodus 40:3), this name having reference to Israel’s covenant to abide the law given on Sinai. Thus it was by covenant that Israel had agreed to live the law of Moses and to keep the Ten Commandments. Moses expressly told the Israelites that in breaking this covenant they would subject themselves to dispersion and destruction (see Deuteronomy 28:64). Having broken this covenant, King Noah and his people have forfeited their right to the protection of heaven.

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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