Wednesday, Sept. 25
Exodus 19:1 – 20:17 Read it here
It would be challenging to find anyone in the world – or at least the western world – who hasn’t heard of the 10 Commandments. Not many people could name all of them, or maybe not any of them, but most people are at least familiar with there being a list of 10 laws from God. (It says something about the way people understand God that the phrase most likely to be remembered is “Thou shalt not…,” even though half are phrased in positive, not negative, terms.
This is one of those places where reading through the whole book makes a huge difference in meaning.
Think back to yesterday’s reading. Moses was in danger of being overwhelmed with the responsibility of mediating conflicts within the community. He accepts Jethro’s advice to change the focus of his efforts from resolving the community’s conflicts and instead to equip them to resolve those conflicts themselves.
It can’t be a coincidence that immediately after that conversation, God provides him with the 10 Commandments. Not only does God provide the 10 Commandments, but he does it in a manner to make sure that people understand that these laws are the word of God, not just suggestions from Moses.
Also, realizing how early this takes place in the time in the wilderness helps understood why God begins the commandments the way he does: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
That wasn’t a long-ago event they knew from history. It was just a few months ago.
God is making sure they understand that this frightening oracle of the mountain isn’t some new God they have come upon in a strange land. No, this is the same God who rescued them, who parted the sea, and who provides water and manna and quails. And it’s the same God who wants to be first in their hearts.
This also helps understand why the 10 Commandments focus so much on things that avoid conflict. These are the first instructions for the community members who are to serve as judges, keeping peace among the people.