The answer is: Moses

Deut 5:22

Moses is often remembered as one of the key figures in the formation of Israelite identity, especially as the mediator who brought the Ten Commandments down from Mount Sinai. Imagine that dramatic scene: thunder rumbling, smoke billowing, and the mountain shaking! The Ten Commandments themselves represent a moral foundation intended not just for ancient Israel, but arguably for all humanity.

What’s fascinating is that while Moses is certainly the figure associated with the delivery of these commandments, he also embodies the human struggle between divine obedience and human imperfection. Throughout the journey described in Exodus, Moses displays moments of doubt, anger, and frustration, resonating with anyone who has faced their own moral dilemmas.

This law code is not just a set of rules; it’s a complex web of social justice, relationship guidelines, and even behaviors toward one’s community that reflect a deeper spiritual calling. In fact, other ancient cultures also had similar law codes, but the emphases differ. The famous Code of Hammurabi predates these commandments and illustrates the challenge of establishing ethical governance. Still, unlike Hammurabi’s laws, the Ten Commandments stem from divine authority, creating a stronger sense of covenant.

Interestingly, the number 10 appears frequently in the Bible, symbolizing completeness and order—think of the 10 plagues of Egypt too! While we often think of the commandments strictly in terms of "don’t do this," they also shine a light on how humanity can ultimately thrive together.