And God spoke all these words: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” Exodus 20:1 NIV
To reveal his word and commandments, God chose a specific group of people as his inheritance. Through the nation of Israel, God demonstrated his love and mercy. As the Hebrew people languished in slavery for their cruel Egyptian masters, God heard their cries and delivered them from bondage. Here, in the book of Exodus, Moses recounts the Lord’s Ten Commandments given to the people of Israel.
Before Moses received the tablets of the Ten Commands, the entire assembly of Israelites heard the words, “I am the Lord your God.” All of Israel heard the commandments God spoke. Moses makes this clear, saying to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 5:22, “These words the Lord spake unto all your assembly in the mount out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and he added no more. And he wrote them in two tables of stone, and delivered them unto me. KJV”
I Am the Lord Your God
The words God chose to introduce the public revelation of his commands and covenant with his chosen people demonstrate the intimate relationship of God and Israel. They also reveal God’s love, protection, and providence for those to whom he chose to reveal himself. Saying. “I am the Lord your God,” our heavenly Father stressed the uniqueness of Israel’s worship of the one true Creator of all things. Mentioning his bringing Israel out of slavery in Egypt, God reminds his chosen people of the mighty power he displayed in their deliverance.
It seems as though God’s words express the necessity of reminding men and women of what our hearts and minds should otherwise easily recall and know. God speaks to us through the majesty of his creation. The Lord speaks to us in the recesses of our hearts and through our conscience. His providence, patience, and grace shout his goodness to each of us. However, our sins obscure the voice of God in our hearts. Our disobedience distances us from God.
Therefore, God spoke in a powerful voice saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.” He commanded devotion from his people and forbade a list of sinful, destructive behaviors. In doing so, the Lord made impressions in human hearts and in stone that through the generations revived man’s understanding of what it means to live in love and obedience to our heavenly Father.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for putting your commandments in writing. Thank you for making clear what you expect from me. Write your words in my heart. Guide me to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Righteous Ordinances
