Exodus Chapter 20
When we think of God giving the people the Ten Commandments, we often think of how He wrote them on tablets of stone, and this is true. But when God first gave His commandments, He spoke audibly from the mountain of Sinai. The people had been instructed to gather near and around the mountain so they could see evidence of God’s presence and hear His voice. They heard the audible voice of God.
Deuteronomy 4:15-19 Therefore watch yourselves very carefully. Since you saw no form on the day that the LORD spoke to you at Horeb [Sinai] out of the midst of the fire, beware lest you act corruptly by making a carved image for yourselves, in the form of any figure, the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth. And beware lest you raise your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, all the host of heaven, you be drawn away and bow down to them and serve them, things that the LORD your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole heaven.
God was very serious about His commandment that there were not to be other gods worshipped by His people. His jealousy means that He wants us to recognize Him as the only God of all the universe. I think if I had been there on that day hearing the voice of God coming out of the mountain amongst the thunder, lightning and fire, I would have believed Him then and there. I also would have been frightened just as the Israelites were frightened. Just imagine yourself there that day hearing the very loud and commanding voice of our God.
Let's Reflect
1. In the first verse who did God say that He was and is?
2. People have often misconstrued the words of the last part of verse 5. But we need to look at the context of this verse. People have said that God passes judgement on to the children of the fathers who have committed a sin. He does pass judgement on to future generations, but to those who hate Him. Fathers who bring up their children in hatred of God will pass on that hatred to their children. Therefore, the children, if they continue in this hatred and iniquity will also be judged. What is the opposite that God will do for those who love Him and keep His commandments?
3. God’s name is special. All of His names are special and should be revered. Using the Lord’s name in vain, swearing, is not something to be taken lightly. He commanded us to be careful how we use His name. What did God say about those who use His name in vain?
4. What example did God give us when He told us He wants us to keep the Sabbath holy and to be a day of rest?
5. Do you notice that the first couple of commandments are explained at length but the last few are quite short?
6. The commandment thou shalt not murder is translated from a specific Hebrew word that means it is unlawful to take a life without legal justification or moral justification. God values human life. As you think on that meaning, what would also be true?
7. The people were afraid hearing the voice of God come from the mountain. What did Moses tell the people about their fear?
8. God through Moses, repeated again His first commandment. What did He add specifically regarding other gods?
9. God did want the people to build altars but not to carve them out because they would possibly worship what they created. What did He want them to use the altars for?
