Biblical Precedent for Interpretation of 10 Commandments

[Blood-Bought Pilgrim]

I'm currently teaching through Exodus and coming upon the 10 Commandments. I am very familiar with (and in agreement with) the traditional reformed treatment of the 10 Commandments which takes those which are stated negatively not merely as prohibitions but also as implied positive commands (e.g. "You shall not murder" also implies an obligation to preserve life).

What I've been pondering is how one would make a strong biblical case for this way of interpreting the 10 Commandments. Are there good biblical examples to go to where Scripture makes an explicit connection between a negative command and the corresponding positive implication? I have a couple of examples that have come to mind, but I'm hoping you all might have more wisdom on this than I do.

 

[Andres]

WLC 99: What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the Ten Commandments?​

Answer: For the right understanding of the Ten Commandments, these rules are to be observed: That the law is perfect, and binds everyone to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience forever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin1. That it is spiritual, and so reaches the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures2. That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments3. That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden; and, where a sin is forbidden4, the contrary duty is commanded5: so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included6; and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included7. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done8; What he commands, is always our duty9; and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times10. That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto11. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavor that it may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places.12 That in what is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them13; and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbidden them.14

1. Psalm 19:7; James 2:20; Matthew 5:21-22
2. Romans 7:14; Deuteronomy 6:5; cf. Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 5:21-22; Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 5:33-34 Matthew 5:43-44
3. Col 3:5; Amos 8:5; Proverbs 1:19; 1 Tim 6:10
4. Isaiah 58:13; Deut 6:13; cf. Matthew 4:9-10; Matthew 5:21-24
5. Matthew 5:21-25; Ephesians 4:28
6. Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 30:17
7. Jeremiah 18:7-8; Exodus 20:7; cf. Psalm 15:1; Psalm 15:4-5; Psalm 24:4-5
8. Job 13:7-8; Romans 3:8; Job 36:31; Hebrews 11:25
9. Deuteronomy 4:8-9
10. Matthew 12:7
11. Matthew 5:21-22; Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 15:4-6; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Thess 5:22; Jude 1:23; Galatians 5:26; Col 3:21
12. Exodus 20:10; Leviticus 19:17; Genesis 18:19; Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 6:6-7;
13. 2 Corinthians 1:24
14. 1 Timothy 5:22; Ephesians 5:11

 

[NaphtaliPress]

Andrew beat me to it. You might also look at the commentaries on LC 99 in Ridgley, Vos and Moorecraft.

 

[Blood-Bought Pilgrim]

WLC 99: What rules are to be observed for the right understanding of the Ten Commandments?​

Answer: For the right understanding of the Ten Commandments, these rules are to be observed: That the law is perfect, and binds everyone to full conformity in the whole man unto the righteousness thereof, and unto entire obedience forever; so as to require the utmost perfection of every duty, and to forbid the least degree of every sin1. That it is spiritual, and so reaches the understanding, will, affections, and all other powers of the soul; as well as words, works, and gestures2. That one and the same thing, in divers respects, is required or forbidden in several commandments3. That as, where a duty is commanded, the contrary sin is forbidden; and, where a sin is forbidden4, the contrary duty is commanded5: so, where a promise is annexed, the contrary threatening is included6; and, where a threatening is annexed, the contrary promise is included7. That what God forbids, is at no time to be done8; What he commands, is always our duty9; and yet every particular duty is not to be done at all times10. That under one sin or duty, all of the same kind are forbidden or commanded; together with all the causes, means, occasions, and appearances thereof, and provocations thereunto11. That what is forbidden or commanded to ourselves, we are bound, according to our places, to endeavor that it may be avoided or performed by others, according to the duty of their places.12 That in what is commanded to others, we are bound, according to our places and callings, to be helpful to them13; and to take heed of partaking with others in what is forbidden them.14

1. Psalm 19:7; James 2:20; Matthew 5:21-22
2. Romans 7:14; Deuteronomy 6:5; cf. Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 5:21-22; Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 5:33-34 Matthew 5:43-44
3. Col 3:5; Amos 8:5; Proverbs 1:19; 1 Tim 6:10
4. Isaiah 58:13; Deut 6:13; cf. Matthew 4:9-10; Matthew 5:21-24
5. Matthew 5:21-25; Ephesians 4:28
6. Exodus 20:12; Proverbs 30:17
7. Jeremiah 18:7-8; Exodus 20:7; cf. Psalm 15:1; Psalm 15:4-5; Psalm 24:4-5
8. Job 13:7-8; Romans 3:8; Job 36:31; Hebrews 11:25
9. Deuteronomy 4:8-9
10. Matthew 12:7
11. Matthew 5:21-22; Matthew 5:27-28; Matthew 15:4-6; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Thess 5:22; Jude 1:23; Galatians 5:26; Col 3:21
12. Exodus 20:10; Leviticus 19:17; Genesis 18:19; Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 6:6-7;
13. 2 Corinthians 1:24
14. 1 Timothy 5:22; Ephesians 5:11

I should have thought to just look at the prooftexts of the catechism! Sometimes I can get so in my head about a question that the obvious solution escapes me