The Eighth Commandment

We are continuing to look at the Ten Commandments and today we examine number 8 "Thou shalt not steal." (KJV) Once again we probably think we know what this commandment means; however, as you may suspect there is more here than meets the Gentile eye. Hebrew Sages explained this commandment as follows: "this prohibition refers specifically to only one kind of thief: a kidnapper who forces his victim to work for him and then sells him into slavery." This interpretation comes from the context found in the previous two commandments, murder and adultery, both bringing the death penalty. The only theft that would bring the death penalty resulted from kidnapping. The commandment against ordinary theft is found in Leviticus 19:11: "You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another." (RSV)

According to Hebraic thought, this commandment also covered many forms of behavior that were morally related to theft. Therefore, a failure to respond to a greeting is a theft of a fellow man's self-respect, and to win someones gratitude or regard through deceit is a form of thievery. Once again we can see that God's commandments cover more behavior than we have previously thought. Do you see the benefit of adopting the Hebraic worldview? To continue to read the Hebrew Scriptures from a Greek perspective robs our understanding of God's truth. God has given His Torah to instruct us how to live and we should desire to know the full extent of that instruction.

Today, examine whether you have stolen a man's self-respect by not responding to his greeting. Have you deceived someone by deceitfully winning their respect? By now you know that the Ten Commandments are far more than that portrayed in a Hollywood movie. Be thankful for God's Torah to us; He has provided all we need to live a life that is pleasing to Him.