A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 45. What is the first commandment?
A. The first commandment is, Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

1. Is it an essential duty of religion to worship God? Yes: for those have no hope that are without God in the world Eph. 2:12. Are we concerned to be right in the object of our worship? Yes: We must know what we worship, John 4:22. Does the first commandment direct us in this? Yes: for the first of all the commandments is this, Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord, Mark 12:29.

2. Does God lay a stress upon our having him for our God? Yes: Hear, O my people, and I will speak; I am God, even thy God, Ps. 1:7. And upon our having him only? Yes: Hear, 0 my people, and I will testify unto thee; there shall no strange god be in thee, neither shall thou worship any strange god, Ps. 81:8, 9. Did Israel need this commandment? Yes: for their fathers served other gods, Josh. 24:2. And were they tempted to serve other gods? Yes: the gods of the people that were round about them, Deut. 13:7.