Overview: When Jesus is asked which commandment is the most important, he affirms two fundamental principles that characterize the Law and the Prophets: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:28–34; Matt. 22:34–40; Luke 10:25–27). The Decalogue (literally the “Ten Words,” or the Ten Commandments) itself opens with “the Lord your God” (20:2) and closes with “your neighbor” (20:17). The first four of the Ten Commandments address the relationship of humans to God, affirming his unassailable right as Creator to the worship and undivided adoration of his people. The last six compactly articulate the absolute justice and goodness that must attend all human interactions. …