The Covenant

Exodus, Book 3 (15:22 through 24:11)

The Third Word: Integrity (Exodus 20:7)

The Lord continues to explain that true love means not misusing his name. But why is cussing such a big deal?

The Fourth Word: Rest (Exodus 20:8-11)

The Lord tells his people to put boundaries around one particular day of the week. But how can boundaries be placed around a day?

The Fifth Word: Honor (Exodus 20:12)

In an abrupt change of subject, the Lord commands honor for parents. But is this really a change of subject?

The Sixth Word: Reconciliation (Exodus 20:13)

The Lord expands honour for parents to include avoiding murder. Finally, an easy commandment to keep! — or is it?

The Seventh Word: Faithfulness (Exodus 20:14)

The Lord commands his people to be sexually faithful. But what does sex have to do with heaven?

The Eighth Word: Responsibility (Exodus 20:15)

The Lord introduces a radical new concept: personal property rights for everyone. But how can he enforce such radical equality in such a radically unequal world?

The Ninth Word: Justice (Exodus 20:16)

The Lord changes subjects yet again and starts talking about words instead of actions. But why? Don’t actions speak louder than words?

The Tenth Word: Contentment (Exodus 20:17)

The Lord ends his speech with a final change of subject: a regulation of individual psychology. But is that really fair?

The Book of the Covenant, Chapter 1: There Will Be Blood (Exodus 20:18-26)

As God’s people realise, to their horror, that they have no hope of keeping his law, God offers them a hint at the atonement to come, and the promise of his eternal presence with them.

The Book of the Covenant, Chapter 2: Workers’ Rights (Exodus 21:1-11)

The Lord continues his conversation with Moses, unpacking the practical implications of the Fourth and the Eighth commandments.

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