1. Exodus 20:1–17 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

The context of the giving of the law

Exodus 20:1–17 (ESV)

1 And God spoke all these words, saying,

For the understanding of the law, it is necessary to look at Exodus 19:5–6. “‘Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”

  • “Obey my voice and keep my covenant” = “Love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:6).