Released in 1956, “The Ten Commandments” is a classic epic film directed by Cecil B. DeMille. The movie tells the story of Moses, who leads the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt towards the Promised Land. With a star-studded cast that includes Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, and Anne Baxter, “The Ten Commandments” has left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.
One of the most memorable aspects of the film are the powerful quotes that are woven throughout the story. These quotes not only showcase the grandeur and drama of the narrative, but also provide valuable insights and lessons for viewers. In this article, we will explore some of the most iconic quotes from “The Ten Commandments” that continue to resonate with audiences today.
“So let it be written, so let it be done.” These infamous words, spoken by Pharaoh (Yul Brynner), capture the stubbornness and arrogance of a ruler who refused to yield to the will of God. This quote serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from the refusal to listen and acknowledge a higher power.
“Is the Lord among us, or not?” As the Israelites journey through the desert, this quote reflects their doubts and uncertainties. It showcases the struggles and challenges faced by individuals on a spiritual journey, as they question their faith and search for reassurance.
Moses and the Burning Bush
In the movie “The Ten Commandments,” one of the most iconic scenes is when Moses encounters the burning bush on Mount Sinai. This pivotal moment sets the stage for Moses’ journey as he receives a divine calling from God.
As Moses approaches the burning bush, he hears a voice coming from within the flames. The voice identifies itself as God, instructing Moses to remove his sandals as he is standing on holy ground. This simple act symbolizes the reverence and respect Moses must have in the presence of the divine.
The burning bush serves as a powerful visual representation of God’s presence and power. It is a sign that God has chosen Moses for a special mission – to liberate the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt and lead them to the Promised Land.
Throughout the scene, Charlton Heston, who portrays Moses, captivates the audience with his portrayal of a man in awe and wonder. Moses hesitates at first, questioning his ability to fulfill this monumental task. However, as the conversation with God unfolds, Moses gains confidence and accepts his role as the deliverer.
As Moses interacts with the burning bush, the intensity of the moment is accentuated by the cinematography and the music, creating a sense of awe and reverence. The scene is a pivotal point in the film, as it marks the beginning of Moses’ transformation and his commitment to fulfilling God’s commandments.
This iconic scene from “The Ten Commandments” captures the essence of Moses’ encounter with the burning bush. It reminds us of the power of divine calling and the importance of obedience and faith in fulfilling God’s purpose.
The Ten Plagues
One of the most memorable scenes in the movie “The Ten Commandments” is the depiction of the ten plagues of Egypt. These plagues were unleashed by God to convince Pharaoh to release the Hebrew slaves. Each plague brought devastation and misery upon the Egyptians, showing the power of God and the consequences of refusing to obey His command.
1. Blood: The Nile River turned into blood, killing all the fish and making the water undrinkable.
2. Frogs: Frogs infested the land, covering every inch of Egypt.
3. Gnats: Swarms of gnats descended upon the land, causing irritation and discomfort.
4. Flies: Flies swarmed the country, spreading disease and filth.
5. Livestock Death: All the Egyptian livestock became sick and died, causing economic and agricultural devastation.
6. Boils: Painful boils broke out on the skin of the Egyptians and their animals.
7. Hail: A severe hailstorm rained down on Egypt, destroying crops and infrastructure.
8. Locusts: Locusts devoured the remaining crops, leaving nothing for the Egyptians to eat.
9. Darkness: Egypt was plunged into total darkness for three days, creating fear and despair.
10. Death of the Firstborn: The most devastating plague, the angel of death passed through Egypt and killed the firstborn of every Egyptian family, including Pharaoh’s own son.
These plagues were not only a punishment for the Egyptians’ refusal to let the Hebrew slaves go, but they also served as a demonstration of God’s power and His commitment to deliver His people. The movie captures the intensity and the horrific consequences of these plagues, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Parting the Red Sea
One of the most iconic scenes in “The Ten Commandments” is the dramatic parting of the Red Sea. In this epic moment, Moses uses the power bestowed upon him by God to miraculously separate the waters, creating a path for the Israelites to escape the pursuing Egyptian army.
The sheer scale of this scene is breathtaking, as we witness the immense walls of water rising up on either side, revealing a clear path through the sea bed. The visual effects used in this moment are a testament to the innovative filmmaking techniques of the time.
This scene serves as a powerful symbol of liberation and divine intervention. It showcases the awe-inspiring power of God and the unwavering faith of Moses and the Israelites. It is a reminder that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, faith and trust in God can lead to miraculous outcomes.
“The Ten Commandments” brings this biblical event to life in a captivating and unforgettable way. This iconic scene has left a lasting impression on audiences for generations, as it embodies the epic scale and remarkable storytelling that makes this movie a true classic.
| Quote | Character |
|---|---|
| “Let my people go!” | Moses |
| “Behold His mighty hand!” | Seti I |
| “Death comes to all!” | Rameses II |
The Golden Calf
Moses: You have sinned a great sin. But I will go up to the Lord. And I will plead with Him on your behalf. Perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.
Joshua: Moses, do you bring the law down to us, or do we bring the law up to you?
Moses: As the Lord lives, I bring the law down to you. And I will write it upon stone with the power He has given me.
Ramses: The people have grown weary of waiting for you, Moses. They need a leader now.
Moses: If I cannot persuade the Lord to forgive you, who will you follow then?
Joshua: Moses, tell us where you really come from.
Moses: Egypt is not your home. And you are not my brethren. Pharaoh is your father. And Egypt is your mother.
Joshua: Then we are all Egyptians.
(People murmuring in agreement)
Hegep: Aaron! You are to make for the people gods. They are tired of waiting for Moses.
Aaron: This is madness! We must not give in to their impatience.
Hegep: Moses has abandoned us. We must take matters into our own hands.
Aaron: You are right. But I will not create gods for them. I will not break the commandments.
Hegep: Then you will die with them. Guards!
(Sounds of struggle)
Hegep: I am sorry, Aaron. But we cannot wait any longer. We need a god who will lead us.
Aaron: There is only one true God. The Lord is our God. But the people, they need something to believe in.
Hegep: Then give them what they want. Create a god.
Aaron: No. I will not betray the Lord.
Moses: Aaron?
Aaron: Moses!
Moses: What is this that you have done, Aaron?
Aaron: Moses, forgive me. They were going to kill me. They needed a leader.
Moses: Have you forgotten the commandments? Have you forgotten the Lord?
Aaron: Moses, they were desperate.
Moses: We are all desperate, Aaron. But we must have faith.
Moses: The Lord shall be our God, and we shall be His people.
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments is a religious movie directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Released in 1956, it tells the story of Moses and the divine laws he receives on Mount Sinai. The movie showcases the moral truths and principles that guide humanity, as represented by these commandments.
The Ten Commandments are a set of biblical principles that serve as a moral code for adherents of Judaism and Christianity. These commandments were given to Moses by God, written on two stone tablets, and are considered an integral part of religious teachings and cultural heritage.
The commandments are as follows:
- You shall have no other gods before me. This commandment emphasizes the belief in monotheism and the exclusive worship of one God.
- You shall not make for yourself an idol or worship any other gods. This commandment prohibits the creation or worship of idols, emphasizing the importance of devotion to God alone.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. This commandment advises against using God’s name in a disrespectful or frivolous manner.
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. This commandment highlights the observance of a day of rest and worship, promoting spiritual renewal.
- Honor your father and mother. This commandment encourages respect for parents and the importance of family relationships.
- You shall not murder. This commandment prohibits the unjust taking of another person’s life, promoting the value of human life.
- You shall not commit adultery. This commandment emphasizes the sanctity of marriage and fidelity within a committed relationship.
- You shall not steal. This commandment prohibits the act of taking another person’s property, promoting honesty and respect for others’ possessions.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. This commandment advises against lying or giving false testimony, promoting truthfulness and integrity.
- You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. This commandment discourages jealousy and excessive desire for what others possess, promoting contentment and gratitude.
These commandments serve as timeless guidelines for ethical living, promoting love, justice, and righteousness. They are regarded as fundamental principles that shape moral behavior and guide believers in their relationship with God and others.
Mount Sinai
Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Horeb, is a mountain in the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt. According to religious tradition, it was at the top of Mount Sinai that Moses received the Ten Commandments from God.
The ascent to the top of Mount Sinai is a popular pilgrimage route for religious believers, offering a spiritual journey and an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Ten Commandments.
Here are some quotes from the movie “The Ten Commandments” that reference Mount Sinai:
- “And Moses came down from Mount Sinai, and the two tables of testimony were in his hand: the tables were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other were they written.” – Exodus 32:15
- “You have been a stranger in a strange land, but in your journey, you have found a people they call Hebrews, whose God you shall encounter on Mount Sinai.” – Moses
- “Go up into the mountain, Moses. Go to the rock on the mountaintop. There I will give you a new gift. Go, Moses, go.” – God
These quotes highlight the importance of Mount Sinai in the story of the Ten Commandments and the role it played in the life of Moses and the Hebrew people.
Visiting Mount Sinai can be a powerful experience for those seeking to connect with their faith and deepen their understanding of the commandments given to Moses on this sacred mountain.
The Promised Land
“The Promised Land.” These three words hold a powerful and profound meaning in the story of the Ten Commandments. The Promised Land, also known as Canaan, was the land that was promised by God to the Israelites after their escape from slavery in Egypt.
For the Israelites, the Promised Land symbolized freedom, hope, and a new beginning. It represented a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of abundance and prosperity. The journey to the Promised Land was not an easy one, as the Israelites faced numerous hardships and challenges along the way.
Throughout the movie, there are several quotes that emphasize the significance of the Promised Land. Here are a few:
“Moses: You have journeyed far. Now you shall journey further to a place where there are no slaves, a place flowing with milk and honey. The signal of the covenant between God and man is broken. Only Joshua, Caleb, Korah, and yourself remain of those who left Egypt.”
“Nefretiri: Moses, tell me how long do we have to wander in this wilderness? Look at them. They have not had a thing to eat in days. And in my quarters, there are royal banquets. Fire, music, wine. And all the luxury of Egypt, just as you had. We cannot live like this any longer.”
These quotes highlight the longing and yearning for the Promised Land, as well as the challenges faced by the Israelites during their time in the wilderness. The Promised Land served as a beacon of hope and a destination worth fighting for.
The Promised Land is not just a physical place but also a metaphor for living a life of freedom, prosperity, and righteousness. It represents the fulfillment of God’s promise and the rewards that come with obedience and faith.
As the story of the Ten Commandments unfolds, the importance of the Promised Land becomes more apparent. It symbolizes the ultimate goal and the reward for the Israelites’ obedience and faithfulness to God’s commandments.
Today, the concept of the Promised Land can be seen as a metaphor for reaching one’s goals and achieving success. It teaches us the importance of perseverance, faith, and the pursuit of a better future.
In conclusion, the Promised Land holds a significant place in the story of the Ten Commandments. It represents freedom, hope, and a new beginning for the Israelites. The journey to the Promised Land was filled with challenges, but it was a goal worth pursuing. The Promised Land serves as a powerful metaphor for reaching one’s goals and experiencing the rewards of obedience and faithfulness.
Moses’ Legacy
Moses is one of the most prominent figures in religious history. His leadership and actions have left a lasting impact. Here are some notable quotes from the movie “The Ten Commandments” that reflect Moses’ legacy:
- “I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God.” – Moses reminds the Israelites of their commitment to worship only one God and to avoid idolatry.
- “Thou shalt not kill.” – Moses emphasizes the importance of valuing and preserving human life.
- “Thou shalt not steal.” – Moses promotes honesty and discourages theft.
- “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” – Moses encourages rest and reflection on the seventh day.
- “Honor thy father and thy mother.” – Moses emphasizes respect for parents and familial relationships.
- “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” – Moses encourages truthfulness and warns against slander or spreading false information.
- “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” – Moses stresses the sanctity of marriage and fidelity.
- “Thou shalt not covet anything that belongs to thy neighbor.” – Moses advises against envy and encourages contentment.
These commandments reflect Moses’ legacy as a leader who guided the Israelites and set a moral and ethical framework for generations to come. His actions and teachings continue to inspire individuals to this day.