61. The precepts of that law are called the Ten Commandments (Exodus 34:28, Deuteronomy 4:13, 10:4), and are so called because the number ten symbolizes everything, and commandments symbolize truths. For there were more than ten.

Because the number ten symbolizes everything, therefore the Tabernacle had ten curtains (Exodus 26:1). Therefore the Lord said that a man about to receive a kingdom called his ten servants and gave them ten minas with which to do business (Luke 19:13). Therefore the Lord likened the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins (Matthew 25:1). Therefore the dragon in Revelation 12:3 is described as having ten horns, and upon the horns seven jewels. Likewise the beast coming up out of the sea in Revelation 13:1. So, too, another beast, in Revelation 17:3, 7, and also the beast in Daniel 7:7, 20, 24.

The number ten has the same symbolism in Leviticus 26:26, Zechariah 8:23, and elsewhere.

This is the origin of the “tenths” or tithes, which symbolize something from all.