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Profundities of Torah: Yitro: |
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Written by Rabbi Yochanan Zweig
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 What do the Ten Commandments add to what was already accepted? Murder, Thievery, Idolatry & Adultery were already prohibited as part of the universal Seven
Noachide Laws (see Maimonidies; Laws of Kings, 9:1). Even many of the post-Sinai penalties existed (Genesis 4:10-11; 5:11-13; 12:17-18; 19:3; 21:25-26; 39:9; 38:24; 40:15; 44:17). In short, what new dimension of obligation do the Ten Commandments represent?
A basic theme runs through the Seven Noachide Laws (Don't Murder, Don't Commit Adultery, Don't Steal, Don't Worship Idols, Create a Justice System, Don't Blaspheme, Don't Devour a Piece/Limb from a Live Animal). Although G-d has given Man dominion over the Earth, he may not destroy it. As long as Man does not ruin this World - as per these guidelines - he is free to do whatever he desires.
The Torah demands more, that the Jew refine his character. It is insufficient to just refrain from committing certain acts or perform others. The Jew is commanded to uproot negative traits from - and inculcate positive ones into - his very being. It does not suffice to refrain from killing. Anything related to that conception must become disgusting in the eyes of a Jew. And so too in the positive.
The above elucidates the famous Medrash (Sifrei on Deuteronomy 33:2 - quoted partially by Rashi ad loc). Therein is described G-d's offering of the Torah to the other Nations prior to its being given to the Jews at Har (Mount) Sinai. Each nation asked what was written in the Torah. When they discovered laws that they felt went against their nature, they declined. The commandments specifically mentioned were: Don't Murder, Don't Commit Adultery & Don't Steal. As mentioned above, these laws were to be kept by all mankind. If so, why were these commandments anathema to the Nations?
As we explained, the difference between the Noachide Laws & the Ten Commandments is a matter of ultimate goal. Yes, the Nations can commit to perform & refrain from certain acts. However, they were not willing to change their very character. In order to do so one must be willing to submit himself to G-d. This means that he recognize that not only is G-d the ultimate source of Existence but that He also continually perpetuates that Existence. In Hirschian parlance, G-d is not only the G-d of Creation but also the G-d of History.
That is why the first commandment (which also serves as an introduction to the remaining nine) is NOT, "I am the L-rd your G-d, who created the entire Universe", but rather, "who took you out of the Land of Egypt". A Jew must realize that his inner self does NOT determine his direction in life (a là 'let your conscience be your guide'). Rather he must accept that there is a Supreme Being - outside of him - which has established & continually leads him on the path to perfection.
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