When Moses gave them the Ten Commandments, the children of Israel probably did not realize how well obedience to these would protect them from mistakes which would otherwise cause them trouble. The moral demand of the Commandments forbids not only a few evils but every one which mankind might be tempted to believe in or indulge.
A professor of law, upon introducing the subject of criminal law to a class, pointed out that the Ten Commandments were the basis of modern penal codes. Therefore, these Commandments are not outmoded. Their demands when obeyed still protect the innocent. Their moral requirements, together with the inevitable penalties for violation, still deter those who are tempted to break them. The Commandments serve as a protection to all concerned.
The advent of Jesus was destined to bring about a greater obedience to the Mosaic commands. After giving the Beatitudes, the Master said (Matt. 5:17-19): "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven."
