The answer is: 4

Exo 20:3-11 - The first 4, the remaining 6 are to do with how you treat other people

The structure of the Ten Commandments is both simple and profound. The first four commandments, which focus on our relationship with God, outline the foundational principles of devotion, respect, and the sacredness of the divine. They evoke a compelling invitation to unite faith and action, reminding us of the value of putting God first. Picture this: the Israelites, having just escaped slavery in Egypt, walk through the wilderness, and here comes this revolutionary declaration about devotion—not just rules, but a game-changing shift in how they connect with the divine.

Commandments like prohibiting the worship of idols or taking the Lord's name in vain were significant back then, addressing not just personal spirituality but also communal integrity. Ancient Israel was surrounded by polytheistic cultures that idolized a multitude of gods—imagine trying to stay anchored in your own faith!

Following the initial four, the remaining six commandments amp up the call for social responsibility, spelling out what it means to love one’s neighbor as oneself. From honoring parents to prohibiting murder and theft, they hold humanity accountable not just to God, but to each other.

Here’s an intriguing tidbit: in ancient cultures, detailed laws often focused on rituals tied to agriculture or warfare, but the Commandments pivoted towards morality in personal relationships! This shift resonates through centuries, forming the nomenclature of ethical interactions devoid of divinity’s twisted narrative, inviting every society to pursue justice and love—echoing a universal quest for betterment and peace.