Gospel Prism

Reading Thomas Watson’s The Ten Commandments was a joy. I would say that out of the four books I read on the subject (and all were good books), this is the one that I wouldn’t mind reading again. There is something to the Puritans, perhaps there continual delving into the glory and supremacy of a great God, that leads them to such spiritual discernment. Thomas Watson’s style, though the language is a bit archaic, is quite easy to read and follow. When most other biblical expositors of the subject given three or four applications of each commandment, Watson would give ten! I am amazed how many different ways he sees the Commandments actually play out in the lives of people, and how relevant his application of the Decalogue was, even to an audience of this day.

What I also love about Thomas Watson is the imagery and illustrations that he uses to make his points. In expositing the 3rd commandment, “You shall not take the name of the Lord in vain, he tells the story of a woman who told her dying husband that only one of their three sons was his. So the man told the executors of his estate that he wanted them to find out which was his true son in order to give his whole estate only to him. After the man died, the executors of the estate set up the father’s corpse against a tree. They gave each of the three sons a bow and arrow and told them that whoever could shoot nearest to the father’s heart would have the whole estate. Two of the sons shot as near as they could to the heart. The third was so bothered in his conscience to shoot his dead father, that he refused to shoot. The executors then decided that he was the true son and gave him the whole estate. Watson comments on the story: “Such as are the true children of God, fear to shoot at him; but such as are [those who are] not sons, care not though they shoot at him in heaven with their oaths and curses.” (pp. 89-90)

Watson firmly believes that the Christian is still bound to the Ten Commandments as the moral law. And thus, his application of that law is quite extensive. Sometimes, it can come close to bordering on legalism, but Watson is able to toe this line quite adeptly.

Whether you are studying the Ten Commandments or simply want to know how to live life for Christ’s glory, this is a great read and highly recommended. If you are preaching or studying the Ten Commandments, this is a must read.