Anaya Nolan
The First Table of the Law refers to the first four commandments of the Ten Commandments, which outline one's obligations to worship God. The First Table includes commandments such as loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and not worshipping idols or creating images of God. The First Table is often contrasted with the Second Table of the Law, which addresses one's civil obligations and relationship with fellow human beings. The concept of the two tables has been influential in shaping the American Protestant view of the separation of church and state.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of commandments | 1-3 |
| Relationship | With God |
| Summary | Love your God with all your heart, soul, and mind |
| Applicable to | Religious questions |
| Jurisdiction | Out of bounds to the state |
| Civil laws | Not applicable |
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What You'll Learn
The First Table of the Law addresses one's obligations to worship God
The First Table is contrasted with the Second Table, which contains commandments 4-10 and outlines how one should live in relation to their fellow human beings. This can be summed up as ""love your neighbour as yourself". The First Table is considered to be of greater importance than the Second Table, as Jesus refers to the First Table laws as "The first and greatest commandment".
The First Table is also distinct from the Second in that it pertains to one's duty to God, while the Second Table pertains to one's duty to humanity. This distinction is reflected in the American constitutional system, where the state is not permitted to arbitrate religious belief and practice or promote specific religious ideas.
The Puritan era "first table" laws against blasphemy, idolatry, and Sunday laws fell into disfavor, as they were seen as pertaining to God alone and not the state. Similarly, the early church did not focus on the judicial laws of the First Table, as they were not in a position to administer justice under a heathen ruler.
Despite the importance of the First Table, some note that Christ and the Apostles often omitted it when speaking of the commandments, instead focusing on the Second Table, which is considered to better manifest the cultivation of righteousness and integrity.
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The Second Table of the Law addresses one's civil obligations
The First Table of the Law, encompassing the first three commandments, dictates one's obligations to God. The commandments included in the First Table are those that pertain to worship, such as blasphemy, idolatry, and Sunday laws. These are considered by Protestants to be obligations to God alone, rather than the state.
The Second Table has been the subject of civil law and public policy debate. While the American constitutional system does not compel the state to order public morality according to the Second Table, it is legitimate for Americans to invoke the commandments in policy debates, provided the distinction between the two tables is observed. The Second Table addresses moral issues such as adultery, stealing, and murder.
The Second Table's commandments are considered secondary to those of the First Table, as not sinning against one's neighbour is dependent on not sinning against God. However, it is important to note that our obligations to one another are ultimately obligations to God, as all ten commandments are given by Him. Thus, sinning against one's neighbour is also sinning against God.
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The First Table contains Commandments 1-3
The First Table of the Law, or the "First Table", contains Commandments 1-3, which outline one's obligations to worship God. These commandments form the basis of one's relationship with God and provide guidance on how to live in accordance with His will.
Commandment 1 is often summed up as "Love your God with all your heart, and all your soul, and all your mind". This commandment emphasizes the importance of loving and worshipping God above all else. It calls for a deep devotion and commitment to God, placing Him at the centre of one's life.
Commandment 2 pertains to idolatry and blasphemy. It prohibits the worship of any other gods or idols, reinforcing the exclusivity of one's devotion to God. This commandment ensures that individuals do not divert their worship or allegiance to any other entity, object, or figure.
Commandment 3 revolves around the concept of honouring God's name. It involves respecting and revering God's name in all aspects of life. This commandment is often associated with the importance of maintaining the sanctity of God's name and avoiding any misuse or profanity.
Together, these first three commandments of the First Table establish a foundation for a devout and dedicated relationship with God. They guide individuals towards a life centred on worshipping and honouring God, shaping their spiritual beliefs and practices.
It is worth noting that the First Table, in contrast to the Second Table, pertains specifically to one's duties towards God rather than towards fellow human beings. While the First Table addresses religious obligations, the Second Table focuses on civil obligations and one's responsibilities towards others. This distinction between the two tables has been a subject of discussion and has influenced concepts such as the separation of church and state.
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The Second Table contains Commandments 4-10
The Second Table of the Law contains Commandments 4–10, which are about our obligations to one another. These commandments are also referred to as civil obligations, pertaining to man's relation to man. They are addressed by state law and can be seen as a circle inside the larger circle of the First Table.
Commandment 4 is about respecting and supporting the gift of marriage. It is about God's design for families and marriage as a reflection of religion. While not everyone gets married, everyone can uphold this commandment by respecting the sanctity of marriage.
Commandment 5 is about upholding others' reputations and defending, supporting, and speaking well of one's neighbour. This includes being mindful of what one says both in person and online.
Commandment 6 is about avoiding murder and, more broadly, helping and supporting neighbours in their physical needs.
Commandment 7 addresses stealing and one's possessions, which are seen as a gift from God.
Commandment 8 concerns bearing false witness and upholding the truth.
Commandments 9 and 10 are about coveting, which is considered a sin. This includes coveting one's neighbour's wife or husband, which was considered significant enough to be separated from coveting other possessions.
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The First Table is out of bounds to the state
The First Table of the Law, which contains the first three or four commandments, dictates one's obligations to worship God. The commandments of the First Table include blasphemy, idolatry, and Sunday laws. The First Amendment states that the state has no jurisdiction over religious questions, such as when, where, how, or whom to worship. Therefore, the First Table is out of bounds to the state.
The First Table is distinct from the Second Table, which addresses one's civil obligations and duties to fellow human beings. The Second Table contains commandments 4-6 or 4-10, depending on the source. While the Second Table has always been the subject of civil law, the First Table pertains to God alone.
The division between the First and Second Tables is important in the American constitutional system. While the state is not compelled to reject the Second Table, it must not interfere with religious belief and practice or promote specific religious ideas. This separation of church and state was first coined by Roger Williams, the founder of Rhode Island. Williams' concept of separation acknowledged that state law could address moral issues found in the Second Table, such as adultery, stealing, and murder.
The practical implementation of the First Table as US law is a complex issue. Some argue that it is impossible under the current legal system to instill laws requiring obedience to the First Table. However, others believe that individual Christians and churches must uphold the First Table commandments for society to respect them.
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