This commandment's emphasis is on the lawful possession of private property. The Almighty Creator-God holds the title deed to the earth. Truly, "the earth is the LORD'S" (Psalm 24:1) and it is governed by Him in terms of His plan. His providence, and His law-word. As God's viceregent (appointed authority), man has to administer the earth by exercising righteous dominion over it in fulfillment of the cultural mandate of Genesis 1:28 oft-quoted in this series. To do this it is necessary for man to possess property in God-given temporal ownership.