Exodus 20:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And God spoke all these words, saying,

NIV: And God spoke all these words:

NASB: Then God spoke all these words, saying,

CSB: Then God spoke all these words:

NLT: Then God gave the people all these instructions :

KJV: And God spake all these words, saying,

NKJV: And God spoke all these words, saying:

The Bible frequently indicates that its instructions come from the Lord God (Genesis 8:15; 46:2; Exodus 6:2; Leviticus 1:1; Numbers 1:1). Israel has arrived at Sinai and seen God's spectacular, intimidating display on the mountain (Exodus 19:16–19). There, Moses alone will communicate with the Lord (Exodus 19:20) and receive the covenant laws of Israel.

The first of these laws are the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:2–17). These establish the fundamental principles which underscore the rest of God's laws for the nation of Israel (Exodus 20:2). Commandments one through four speak of man's relationship with God. Commandments five through ten focus on interactions between fellow men. The fifth commandment functions as a hinge: honoring godly authority and structure while passing the covenant to future generations.

Exodus 20:1–17 contains the Ten Commandments: the foundational laws of the ancient nation of Israel. These provide a basis for every other Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10). The laws prohibit worship of other gods, idolatry, blasphemy, perjury, theft, murder, adultery, and covetousness. They command Israelites to honor parents and observe a weekly Sabbath rest. Like the rest of the old covenant, these commandments will be "fulfilled" and no longer applicable after Christ's completed work (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13). However, all these rules, other than the command to observe the Sabbath, are repeated in Christ's teachings.

At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)

Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 7/2/2025 9:50:49 AM