This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Exodus 20:1-17, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
A long time ago, the people of God were slaves in a land called Egypt. But God loved them and wanted to save them. So He sent a man named Moses to rescue them and lead them to a new land.
After they left Egypt, God brought them to a mountain and spoke to them. He gave them rules to follow, which are called the Ten Commandments. These rules were very important and were like a guide for the people to live a good life.
God said, “I am the Lord your God who saved you from Egypt. You must only worship Me and have no other gods.
Don’t make any statues of things in the sky, on the earth, or in the water, and don’t bow down to them.
Don’t say My name in a bad way.
Remember to take a rest day on the Sabbath and make it special.
Honor your parents.
Don’t hurt or kill anyone.
Don’t be unfaithful to your spouse.
Don’t take things that don’t belong to you.
Don’t lie about other people.
Don’t want things that belong to your neighbors.”
The people heard God’s rules and were scared, but they promised to do their best to follow them. And God was pleased that they were trying to be obedient to His commands.
Biblical Lessons
- God loves us and wants us to live a good life.
- The Ten Commandments are important rules to follow.
- We must worship only God and honor Him.
- We must treat others kindly and not harm them or their things.
- We should rest on the Sabbath day and make it special.
- We should listen to and obey God’s commands.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
Knowing God
A classic that helps believers move from knowing about God to truly knowing Him in a personal and biblical way.
View on Amazon
Mere Christianity
Lewis lays out the core beliefs of the Christian faith with clarity, logic, and imagination, rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Desiring God
Piper unpacks "Christian Hedonism": that God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him, grounded in Scripture.
View on Amazon
Chosen by God
A clear, pastoral explanation of biblical election and God's sovereignty in salvation.
View on Amazon
Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God
Shows how God's sovereignty in salvation fuels, rather than hinders, faithful evangelism.
View on Amazon
The Reason for God
Thoughtful, biblical responses to common objections to Christianity, aimed at skeptics and believers alike.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
The God Who Is There
Shows how the God of the Bible speaks into modern philosophical and cultural confusion.
View on Amazon
The Trellis and the Vine
A vision for church ministry centered on disciple-making rather than mere structures and programs.
View on Amazon
The Gospel for Real Life
Shows how the finished work of Christ applies to everyday struggles and assurance.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Future Grace
Argues that faith in God's future grace frees believers from the enslaving power of sin.
View on Amazon
According to Plan
An introduction to biblical theology that shows how all Scripture points to Christ.
View on Amazon
Communion with God
Explores how believers enjoy distinct fellowship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
View on Amazon
Biblical Preaching
Introduces the "big idea" approach to expository sermons, rooted in the biblical text.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Worship
Traces historic worship patterns and shows how to shape Christ-focused services today.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon