The Moral Compass of Humans: Before and Beyond the Ten Commandments

The question often arises: did the moral laws decreed by God in the Ten Commandments already exist in some form before they were explicitly written down and handed to Moses? This article explores the historical and theological perspectives on this intriguing topic, focusing on the role of conscience and the apparent flexibility of moral standards throughout human history.

The Heart of Exodus and Deuteronomy

Despite the conventional belief that the Ten Commandments were newly revealed to Moses, the Exodus 34 verses and Deuteronomy 5 demonstrate that there were earlier instances of similar moral principles. For instance, the sixth commandment against murder (Exodus 20:13) is mirrored in the earlier narrative of Cain killing Abel (Genesis 4:8). Similarly, the first commandment against idolatry (Exodus 20:3) is anticipated in the story of Noah’s righteous life before the flood (Genesis 6:9).

Mt. Sinai, where the tablets with the Ten Commandments were believed to have been engraved, did not exist in the same form as described in the scriptures. The tablets themselves, as well as the Ark of the Covenant, are considered legendary constructs, reflecting a later, more symbolic interpretation of the events.

The Role of Conscience in Moral Behavior

As Paul articulates in his letter to the Romans (2:14-15), humanity has an innate sense of morality, even without explicit divine commandments. This internal moral compass allows people to distinguish right from wrong, even in the absence of written laws. This principle is often referred to as the 'moral law' or the 'law of conscience.'

Several Old Testament accounts illustrate how people have acted according to their conscience without the benefit of written commands. For example, Cain knew that killing Abel was wrong (Genesis 4:7), and before the specific prohibition against adultery (Exodus 20:14), Pharaoh recognized that taking Sarah from Abraham was sinful (Genesis 12:19-20).

Pre-Law Observance of Moral Standards

Humanity has been grappling with moral and ethical dilemmas long before the formalization of the Ten Commandments. Before the first commandment against idolatry was given, Nimrod was already renowned as a hunter who opposed God (Genesis 10:8-12). The construction of the Tower of Babel, a symbol of hubris and rebellion (Genesis 11:1-9), preceded the first and second commandments.

Even individuals who did not have direct contact with the specific commandments still followed moral principles. Abraham knew it would be sinful to drive Hagar and Ishmael away before the formal commands (Genesis 21:11-14), and Jacob and his sons recognized the wrongness of their actions long before the law was given (Genesis 37:24, 38:24).

The Evolution of Moral Law

The principles of the Ten Commandments represent a codification of pre-existing moral standards that had already shaped human behavior. The commandments, therefore, do not create new moral obligations but rather reiterate and reinforce those that were already recognized and practiced. This process of 'derogation' rather than 'abrogation' is evident in the subsequent texts, such as the Gospels, which further refine and expand upon these principles.

The subsequent scriptures show a gradual evolution of moral understanding. Joseph, for instance, lived a life guided by conscientious recognition of right and wrong, even before the specific commandment against adultery was given (Genesis 39:1-20).

Additionally, the New Testament emphasizes the importance of the heart and the motivation behind actions, suggesting that true righteousness lies not just in adherence to written laws but in the internal transformation and character of the individual (Matthew 5:21-22, Mark 10:17-22).

Conclusion

The Ten Commandments are not arbitrary or newly established moral guidelines but rather a reflection of eternal moral principles that human conscience recognizes and abides by. While the formalization and codification of these principles are crucial for community and societal order, the core of human morality is inherently present in each individual, guiding right from wrong long before explicit commandments were given.