Christian Worship (1993) ‎#285

285. The Ten Commandments Are the Law

1 The Ten Commandments are the law
Which Israel heard in holy awe.
In smoke and fire from Sinai
The voice of God shook the sky.
Have mercy, Lord!

2 "I am your Lord and God alone!
No other god but me enthrone!
Put your whole confidence in me;
Give me your heart totally."
Have mercy, Lord!

3 "In what you speak bring me no shame;
Do not misuse my holy name,
But call on me in troubled days;
Give me your thanks, prayers, and praise."
Have mercy, Lord!

4 "Respect the Sabbath of the Lord!
Do not despise my holy Word,
But hold it sacred, precious, true,
And hear that truth preached to you."
Have mercy, Lord!

5 "Give to your parents honor due,
Be dutiful and loving, too,
And help them when their pow'rs are few;
So shall it go well with you."
Have mercy, Lord!

6 "You shall not murder, hurt, nor hate;
Your anger dare not dominate.
Be kind and patient; help, defend,
And treat your foe as your friend."
Have mercy, Lord!

7 "Be faithful to your marriage vow;
No lust or impure thoughts allow,
But keep your body free from sin
With self-control, discipline."
Have mercy, Lord!

8 "You shall not steal or take away
What others worked for night and day,
But open wide a gen'rous hand
And help the poor in the land."
Have mercy, Lord!

9 "Bear no false witness nor defame
Your neighbor and destroy his name,
But view him in the kindest way;
Speak truth in all that you say."
Have mercy, Lord!

10 "You shall not crave your neighbor's house
Nor covet money, goods, or spouse.
Pray God he would your neighbor bless
As you yourself wish success."
Have mercy, Lord!

11 God gave these laws to show therein,
O child of man, your life of sin,
And help you rightly to perceive
How unto God you should live.
Have mercy, Lord!

12 Our works cannot salvation gain;
They merit only endless pain.
Forgive us, Lord! To Christ we fly,
Our mediator on high.
Have mercy, Lord!

Text Information

• First Line: the Ten Commandments are the law
• Title: The Ten Commandments Are the Law
• Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Meter: 88 87 4
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Word of God
• Source: Translation composite paraphrase

Tune Information

• Name: IN GOTTES NAMEN FAHREN WIR
• Meter: 88 87 4
• Key: C Major
• Source: German Melody, 13th century, alt.
• Copyright: Setting: © 1993 Kermit G. Moldenhauer. Used by permission.