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Here is the Tenfold Sure Command

Here is the tenfold sure command

Here is the Tenfold Sure Command is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by The Hymnal Project (Lutheran Service Book). Found in CW21 634, CW93 285, ELH 490, lsb 581. Sung to NUN FREUT EUCH.

The hymn presents the Decalogue as God's sure and binding moral law, reflecting Luther's emphasis on the law's pedagogical function in revealing human sinfulness. It exemplifies the Lutheran approach to catechetical instruction through congregational song.

History & Background

Martin Behm composed this catechetical hymn in early 17th-century Germany to teach the Ten Commandments. It was included in German Lutheran hymnals and later translated into English for the Lutheran Service Book (2006).

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 634
  • Christian Worship — 285
  • Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 490
  • Lutheran Service Book — 581
  • Lutheran Worship — 331
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 287

Translation

The Hymnal Project (Lutheran Service Book)

Bulletin Note

Composed by Martin Behm in 1610, this catechetical hymn teaches the Decalogue through congregational song, reflecting Luther's conviction that God's commandments—rightly understood—point us toward our need for grace.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies Luther's understanding of the Law's pedagogical office: it convicts us of sin and leads us to Christ's redemptive work, making it a powerful congregational echo of Law-and-Gospel proclamation.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: human sinfulness and bondage under Satan → God's mercy in Christ → Christ's substitutionary atonement → faith's response and eschatological hope

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Trinity 6 (2×)
  • Trinity 18 (1×)
  • Trinity 4 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Lent 3 (2×)
  • Proper 25 (2×)
  • Epiphany 6 (1×)
  • Proper 10 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Ten Commandments Divine Law Moral instruction God's will Obedience

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