(See the Chapter Comments for more information on the Covenant.) THE PROCLAMATION OF THE COVENANT (EXODUS 20:1). Here we have Yahweh's proclamation of His covenant directly to the people, and not through Moses, something which the people, having experienced it, pleaded that it might not happen aga... [ Continue Reading ]
THE SECOND FIVE WORDS - MAN'S RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS GOD FOR HIS NEIGHBOUR (EXODUS 20:13). These commands are absolute. They reveal the sanctity in God's eyes of a man's right to fair treatment by his neighbour in all spheres of his life. They are apodictic in form, that is in the form of a direct... [ Continue Reading ]
THE AFTERMATH (EXODUS 20:18). This passage immediately follows the glorious and awesome experience that has been theirs in the proclamation of Yahweh's covenant. The people are trembling in fear, and are not sure that they can bear any more such experiences of Yahweh. So in it Yahweh gently brings... [ Continue Reading ]
YAHWEH'S INSTRUCTION CONCERNING FUTURE WORSHIP (EXODUS 20:22). In view of their fears, and the commands that He has given in Exodus 20:3, Yahweh now makes provision for their worship. They are to recognise what they have seen of His heavenly nature (Exodus 20:23) and, avoiding earthly non-gods, real... [ Continue Reading ]