Differences in the Ten Sayings

Question

Shalom,

Can you please prove information explaining why the two versions of the Ten Sayings are different.

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    The two sets of the Ten Sayings – or the Ten Commandments as they are known colloquially – have subtle differences because they reflect the fact that the second set was given after the the Jewish People sinned with the Golden Calf. The severity of the sin of the Golden Calf realigned the relationship between God and the Jewish People, and this change can be found in the way the Ten Sayings are worded before and after the sin.

    For example, before the sin of the Golden Calf, the command to keep Shabbat is worded as “Zachor-Remember.” In the second set of tablets, it is worded as “Shamor-Guard.” The Rabbis teach that the word “zachor” is a much softer way of telling us to keep Shabbat. Before the Golden Calf, it is as if God is telling us that a reminder to keep Shabbat is enough for us to keep it. After the sin, however, it is clear that just a reminder is not enough. Rather, the Jewish Nation has to be shown that there is an absolute imperative to keep Shabbat, and it is not our choice to make. That imperative is found within the word “shamor,” which is why it appears that way in the second set of tablets.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team