Exodus Chapter 20-21Exodus Chapter 20-21

The Commandments and The Commandments and OrdinancesOrdinances

© Dr John C McEwan© Dr John C McEwan

God’s Initial Words to Moses – God’s Initial Words to Moses – They are Passed on to AllThey are Passed on to All

• Verses 1 – 3 Paganism of any sort is poison to the soul of man. To have any “god” alongside the Lord is destructive. Worship must be truthful and pure.

• Verses 4 – 7 No created things are to be worshipped; God alone is worthy of worship. Those who hate God have limited time to repent; 4 generations of negativity is the maximum allowed. Note Grace is offered, but Judgement will eventually fall on the persistently disobedient. Read Psalms 103:17, Proverbs 21:11-17, Ezekiel 18:2-4, Jeremiah 31:29-30.

Safe Human Society Depends On Safe Human Society Depends On These PrinciplesThese Principles

• Verses 8 – 17 The Sabbath was to be a distinctiveness of Israel; a total rest for worship. One day off from work in every seven day week – for all people and animals. It was to be a reminder that as God rested, so all creation was to rest in God’s perfect provision. Parents were to be worthy of honour and receive it. Private Property was to be respected, not violated. Marriage was to be honoured, and lustful temptations were to be walked away from. Murder was to be seen as a violation of the order God set up in the creation.

Moses Mentors Courage Before Moses Mentors Courage Before God – 1 John 4:11-21.God – 1 John 4:11-21.

• Verses 18 – 21 It is a fearful thing to stand beside this mountain, but it is to stand before their deliverer; there ought to be no fear. It is the disobedience, doubt and lack of faith on the people’s part that creates their fear.

• Verses 22 – 26 The prohibition of idolatry is repeated, as is fancy altar building. Worship is to be simple, dignified and holy, with no sexual aspect to it at all. Men are not to worship with their works, but with reminders of their sin and God’s saving work.

The Judgments to Fall Upon Law The Judgments to Fall Upon Law Breakers – The Value of MankindBreakers – The Value of Mankind

• Verses 1 – 6 Indebtedness was covered by selling oneself into slavery to repay a debt. This was to be limited to seven years service for a Hebrew and it was to be respectful service both ways.

• Verses 7 – 11 Women slaves were not to be treated as a commodity, nor taken advantage of sexually, but honoured as God’s people with respect.

People can Go Too Far and Must People can Go Too Far and Must Then Be EliminatedThen Be Eliminated

• Verses 12 – 17 God’s directions are given regarding those who deliberately despise the Lord’s clear Word to Mankind. They are to be executed with the same deliberateness with which they rebelled against God’s Word to man.

• Verses 18 – 27 This compensation for time and loss is unique in the ancient world. People are to be held responsible for their actions; the punishment is to exactly fit the extent of the crime. The unborn is recognized as having life and rights before God.

Not Caring For the Results of Not Caring For the Results of Animals ActionsAnimals Actions

• Verses 28 – 36All animals that could be dangerous were to be cared for in such a way as to ensure public safety. If a person did not take reasonable provision to ensure their animals did not injure others were to pay compensation or lose their animals. If an animal known to be dangerous fatally injured a person then the owner was executed for that person’s murder. Absolute personal responsibility!