My preferred way to read the first of the 10 words is as anti-religion. The minority tribe in many places wanted relief from the majority religion (then couple

My preferred way to read the first of the 10 words is as anti-religion. The minority tribe in many places wanted relief from the majority religion (then coupled with slavery/work and promoted through great works like idols and pyramids). So they essentially said: 1. Any limited or concrete representation is not authoritative 2. Any priesthood is invalid (as taking the name of the lord in vain) 3. We get a day off Interesting that the punishment for (2) was visited upon children and grandchildren - pretty serious, likely because the benefits of clothing oneself as a religious authority are immeasurable. (The punishment hasn't worked even among believers.) Most interesting for this discussion was that (3) was expressly extended to wives, slaves/workers, et al. (though without speaking directly to them as agents). The liberation theology of the 1970's-80's and Islamic radicalism both created a protected space for anti-oppression, but for the most part religion and government have renewed their mutual protection racket in every corner of the world, dropping antagonistic aspects in favor of courting each other. It's unlikely either would operate as a real limitation on the other -- ironically because we are in an era when legitimacy is so contended.