Biblical Wisdom for Christian Empowerment: Unlocking Divine Precepts

The Forty-Two Precepts of Ma’at in Ancient Egypt

The forty-two precepts of Ma’at are a set of principles named after an ancient Egyptian goddess associated with truth, justice, and order. These precepts can be found inscribed in tombs and on papyrus records. Some critics of the Bible claim that the Ten Commandments were plagiarized from the forty-two precepts of Ma’at. However, this claim lacks historical and logical support.

In Egyptian religion, it was believed that upon death, a person’s soul would be weighed against a feather on the scale of Ma’at. Only those whose hearts were free from evil would be spared from judgment. As a way of proclaiming their purity, the deceased would declare the forty-two principles of Ma’at to different sub-deities. These principles are not laws but rather declarations that the person has abstained from certain behaviors. Each principle is phrased in the negative, such as “I have not swindled” or “I have not taken food from a child.”

While there are similarities between some of the principles of Ma’at and the Ten Commandments, it is important to note that any culture’s moral code is likely to overlap with others to some extent. For example, statements like “I have not told lies” and “I have not committed adultery” in Ma’at’s precepts correspond to two of the Ten Commandments. However, this similarity does not imply that one inspired the other. With a list as extensive as the forty-two precepts of Ma’at, it is natural to find parallels with other moral systems.

The distribution and usage of the forty-two precepts of Ma’at in ancient Egypt were limited. Apart from their presence in tombs and a few written works, there is little historical documentation about how these ideas were employed. Different lists in different locations contain variations in the declarations, making it challenging to establish an official set of Ma’at’s principles.

In contrast to the precepts of Ma’at, the Ten Commandments are explicit rules rather than suggestions. The commandments are specific, stating “You shall not…” or “You shall…” There is no room for interpretation or choice when it comes to the Ten Commandments. There is no archaeological or cultural evidence to suggest that the principles of Ma’at influenced the Law of Moses; any such claim is purely speculative.

The argument connecting the Mosaic Law and the precepts of Ma’at is often based on the fact that Ma’at worship predates Hebrew culture and that Moses was raised in Egypt. From this perspective, it is proposed that Moses incorporated what he had learned in Egypt to create his own set of rules for the Israelites. However, this reasoning commits a logical fallacy known as post hoc, ergo propter hoc (“after this, therefore because of this”). It is illogical to assume that if two pieces of literature exist, the latter must have been derived from the former. It is more plausible and supported by evidence to suggest that Moses intended to contrast Egyptian spiritual ideas rather than emulate them.

It is not surprising that a long list of moral precepts like those found in the forty-two principles of Ma’at would align with some of God’s fundamental moral rules for humanity. Scripture often emphasizes that people have a conscience, which serves as a witness to the presence of God’s law written on their hearts (Romans 2:14–15). Romans 1:18–22 also states that all people have sufficient evidence in nature and within themselves to acknowledge God, even though they choose not to. As society drifts away from God and attempts to establish its own moral standards, echoes of God’s original natural morality can be observed.

The supposed link between the forty-two precepts of Ma’at and the Ten Commandments is not a widely accepted view among historians. The connections between the two lists are tenuous, forced, and ultimately irrelevant to the question of whether Moses received an authentic message from God on Mount Sinai.

Why This Matters

Understanding the context and origins of ancient moral codes helps us appreciate the unique nature of the Ten Commandments as given by God to Moses. While there may be similarities between different moral systems, the Ten Commandments stand apart as divine laws that reflect God’s character and holiness. Recognizing this distinction reinforces the significance and authority of the biblical commandments in guiding our lives today.

Think About It

1. How does the concept of weighing one’s heart against the feather of Ma’at compare to the biblical idea of judgment after death?
2. Why is it important to consider historical context and cultural influences when examining ancient moral codes?
3. In what ways can knowledge of other moral systems enhance our understanding and appreciation of God’s commandments?
4. Reflect on how having a conscience aligns with the biblical teaching that all people have evidence of God’s existence and moral standards.