Law – God's Commandments

This article explores the concepts of “law,” and the “Commandments of God,” in the Christian Scriptures, both for a Hindu and Christian audience, within the framework of the dialogue between Somaiya Vidyavihar University and Urban University. The article argues that in the biblical perspective, the law does not limit humans' freedom, but it founds it and guarantees it. True freedom consists in obeying the will of God, which desires the good of all humans, and of the entire person. The article is then organised in two parts: a brief explanation of each one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-22), and an exposition of the concept of “law” in Matthew 5. The Ten Commandments are a consequence of the liberation of Israel from Egypt by God, who wants to be the only point of reference for the believer. The Sabbath has the purpose of re-establishing the relationship with God and of becoming aware of the universal solidarity (it is prescribed for everyone: slaves, strangers, animals). The honour to parents is placed at the centre, and the last issue is the management of desire. In Matthew 5, Jesus does not abolish the Law (Torah), but brings it to completion by highlighting: the person's intention/interiority, the radicalization of the law, the importance of words, and love for all.