Today we begin our reading in Exodus twenty where the Ten Commandments are given to the children of Israel. We will be reading through chapter twenty-two today.
Chapter 20 –
Verse 1-26
We see the centerpiece of God’s covenant with Israel is given to them in the form of the ten commandments. They present the minimum standards and reflect the righteousness of God. People have a desire to do wrong so these establish a guideline for people to follow.
- Do not have other gods besides me,
- Do not make an idol for yourself,
- Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God,
- Remember the sabbath day and to keep it holy,
- Honor your father and your mother,
- Do not murder,
- Do not commit adultery,
- Do not steal,
- Do not give false testimony,
- Do not covet.
These are the ten given to the people. How do you interpret these and apply them in your life<
They were to erect an altar with only natural materials untouched by human hands.
Chapter 21 –
Verses 1-11
These next three chapters present the ordinances that are more specific than the ten commandments.
An Israelite may sell himself into slavery for various reasons, maybe to pay off a debt. Slaves were in a vulnerable situation and had to be protected especially female slaves (21:7-11).
Verse 12 – 36
Personal injury judgements are now spoken of these verses. The most serious is homicide and the death penalty is prescribed for it. Physical or verbal abuse if a parent was a capital crime. Compensation was required to the injured party.
Here is an interesting note. Compensation was mandatory for accidentally causing a premature birth, even if the no injury resulted. Clearly then an unborn infant is considered a person with basic rights.
Animal owners were accountable for any injury or injuries their animals inflicted upon another party. Thieves must make full restitution, if Aman damaged a neighbor’s crops, he had to make full restitution.
Crimes such as sorcery, bestiality, and sacrifices made to gods were capital offenses. The people were not to curse God or his appointed people. Laws were strict in those days requiring compensation for wrongdoing.
Chapter 22 –
Verses 1-9
The Israelites were to deal fairly with all people, showing no favoritism whatsoever. No person was to be treated with injustice.
Verses 10-13
Israel was to observe a variety of Sabbaths and festivals of rest for the people. This was expanded to provide a sabbath for the land to recognize God owned the land.
Verse 24-19
Three festivals are outlined in these verses: the Festival of Unleavened Bread held in conjunction with the Passover, The Festival of the Harvest also known as the “The Festival of Weeks” or “Passovers.” And finally, The Festival of Ingathering took place at the end of the year.
Verses 20-26
Here God is going to provide an angel to guide and direct them. But the caveat was they had to obey Him, they had to wipe out their enemies and destroy or demolish their objects.
Verses 27-33
God thoroughly promised to drive their enemies out of the land gradually or the land would become desolate. He outlined the borders of the Promised for them. They were to make no covenants with any people.
Asbury United Methodist Church 