Book Review: The Ten Commandments (Kevin DeYoung)

While we are spending time as a church exploring the Ten Commandments, many of us might view these commands as something old and dead, or as a relic of the past. Perhaps we see them as merely laws to be followed. In this book, Kevin DeYoung shows that the Ten Commandments are not only still relevant, but vital for understanding how to live faithfully before God today.

DeYoung’s goal is to help readers see the moral law not as a burden, but as a loving gift. He begins by addressing common misunderstandings about the Ten Commandments—namely, that they are legalistic or outdated—and reframes them instead as a gracious expression of God’s character and will for his people. With clarity and pastoral warmth, DeYoung walks through each commandment, chapter by chapter, exploring what each command means and what it reveals about God and his heart for us, all while applying it to modern life for Christians in the church today.

This book is not overly academic, and is an approachable read for a general church audience. DeYoung writes with both precision and accessibility, offering biblical insight without overwhelming the reader. Each chapter is rich in Scripture and filled with practical examples, making it easy to see how these ancient commands still matter in our world today, which often looks dramatically different from the world in the Bible. DeYoung does not merely inform the reader about the Ten Commandments - he aims to disciple and encourage us in God’s heart behind these principles. The reader is consistently invited to respond—not just with better knowledge, but with deeper obedience and love for God, and a deeper appreciation for the model of life that he provides for us.

This is a book I would recommend to anyone seeking to understand how the Old Testament law connects to the life of a Christian today. It would work well for individual reading, small groups, or as a companion to our church series on this topic. Whether you are new to the faith or have walked with God for many years, this book offers a fresh, accessible, and spiritually nourishing look at one of the most foundational principles of our life of faith.