THE FIRST AND SECOND COMMANDMENTS ARE MERGED INTO ONE WITHIN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC TEACHINGS. Actually The Second Commandment Is Absorbed By The First Commandment In Such A Way That It Need Not Exist At All. This following summation of the two commandments distinguishes the difference between the two commands from the Lord God..

First Commandment (Exodus 20:1-3)

Core Principle

The First Commandment establishes the exclusive worship of the Holy One, Creator of the Universe, the one true God. It emphasizes that believers must have no other gods before Him.

Key Themes

Divine Authority

God speaks directly to His people, asserting His authority and identity as their deliverer.

Historical Context

The commandment recalls God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, symbolizing liberation from both physical and spiritual bondage.

Monotheism

It underscores the importance of monotheism, calling for undivided loyalty and devotion to God alone.

Relationship

The commandment invites believers into a personal relationship with God, emphasizing the need to listen to His voice and obey His commands.

Second Commandment (Exodus 20:4-6)

Core Principle 

The Second Commandment prohibits the making and worship of idols or images, reinforcing the idea that God cannot be adequately represented by physical forms.

Key Themes

Idolatry 

It warns against the dangers of idolatry, both in its physical forms (statues, images) and in more abstract forms (desires, practices that take precedence over God).

God's Jealousy

God is described as a "jealous God," indicating His desire for exclusive devotion and the seriousness of turning away from Him to worship other entities.

Consequences of Sin

The commandment highlights the generational impact of sin, stating that the iniquity of those who hate God can affect future generations, while also promising mercy to those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Call to Obedience 

It emphasizes that true love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commandments, reinforcing the relational aspect of faith.

Conclusion

Together, the First and Second Commandments establish a foundational framework for worship in the Judeo-Christian tradition. They call for exclusive devotion to the Lord God, warn against the dangers of idolatry, and emphasize the importance of obedience in maintaining a faithful relationship with God. These commandments serve as guiding principles for believers, encouraging them to prioritize their relationship with God above all else and to avoid any practices that could lead to spiritual compromise.