The Ten Commandments: A Short History of an Ancient Text

About this book

The complex and surprising history of one of the worlds most famous texts In this lively and provocative book Michael Coogan guides readers into the ancient past to examine the iconic Ten Commandments also known as the Decalogue. How among all the laws reportedly given on Mount Sinai did the Ten Commandments become the Ten Commandments? When did that happen? There are several versions of the Decalogue in the Old Testament so how have different groups determined which is the most authoritative? Why were different versions created? Coogan discusses the meanings the Ten Commandments had for audiences in biblical times and observes that the form of the ten proscriptions and prohibitions was not fixedas one would expect since they were purported to have come directly from Godnor were the Commandments always strictly observed. In later times as well Jews and especially Christians ignored and even rejected some of the prohibitions although the New Testament clearly acknowledges the special status of the Ten Commandments. Today it is plain that some of the values enshrined in the Decalogue are no longer defensible such as the ownership of slaves and the labeling of women as mens property. Yet in line with biblical precedents the author concludes that while a literal observance of the Ten Commandments is misguided some of their underlying ideals remain valid in a modern context.