What is the first commandment?

The first commandment, often summarized as "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before me," establishes the fundamental relationship between God and the Israelites. It emphasizes monotheism, asserting the singular and supreme authority of God. It directly prohibits the worship of any other deities or idols. The phrase "before me" is often interpreted as not merely prohibiting other gods, but also implying that the relationship with God should be paramount. This commandment sets the stage for all the subsequent commandments, as obedience to them is rooted in recognizing and honoring God's sole authority.