Exodus 20:2

The Testimony(or attestation, averment, viz. of God's will; see on Exodus 25:16): 36 times in P (cf. ibid.). Elsewhere in this sense only 2 Kings 11:12 (but doubtfully: see Skinner in the Century Bible, and Barnes in the Cambr. Bible), and 2 Chronicles 24:6 (as Numbers 17:7-8 al.).

Introduction. The commandments are introduced by the statement who it is that gives them: One, viz., who is Israel's God and who has also been Israel's benefactor; and who has thus both the right to impose them, and a claim upon Israel for obedience to them.

Jehovah thy God so Exodus 20:5; Exodus 20:7; Exodus 20:10; Exodus 20:12; Exodus 15:26 (see note), Exodus 23:19 = Exodus 34:26; Exodus 34:24, and frequently (more than 200 times) in Dt. Not elsewhere in Ex. Nu.

which brought thee out, &c. and consequently has a claim upon thee for gratitude and obedience; cf. Exodus 13:3; Exodus 13:9; Exodus 13:14; Exodus 13:16: he same motive, also, Deuteronomy 5:15; Deuteronomy 6:12; Deuteronomy 8:14; Deuteronomy 13:5; Deuteronomy 13:10; Amos 2:10; Hosea 13:4 (RVm.).

the house of bondage(lit. of slaves)] as Exodus 13:3 (see note), 14; and often in Dt. (cf. esp. Deuteronomy 6:12; Deuteronomy 8:14; Deuteronomy 13:10, just quoted).