Where Are We? — Exodus 20

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Time & Place

  • Time: 1491 BC (Exod 19:1–2; 20:1)
  • Location: Mount Sinai / Horeb (Exod 19:18–20; 20:1)

Where Are We in the Text?

  • The LORD speaks all the words of the Ten Commandments directly to Israel from Mount Sinai (Exod 20:1–17).
  • The people witness thunderings, lightnings, trumpet, and smoke and stand afar off in fear (Exod 20:18–19).
  • Moses draws near unto the thick darkness where God is (Exod 20:20–21).
  • Additional instructions are given concerning proper worship and the altar (Exod 20:22–26).

Key Persons

  • The LORD — Speaker of the Ten Commandments and covenant lawgiver (Exod 20:1–17, 22).
  • Moses — Mediator who approaches God on behalf of the people (Exod 20:18–21).
  • Israel — The nation receiving the covenant commandments (Exod 19:5–6; 20:1–17).

Where Are We in Time?

  • The chapter follows immediately after the LORD’s descent upon Mount Sinai (Exod 19:16–25).
  • Israel has arrived at Sinai and is now receiving the Mosaic Law (Exod 19–20).
  • This marks the formal beginning of covenant legislation.

Where Are We on the Map?

  • Mount Sinai (Horeb): Location of covenant revelation and delivery of the Law (Exod 3:1, 12; 19:18–20).
  • Base of the Mountain: Israel stands at a distance while Moses approaches God (Exod 19:17; 20:18–21).

Where Are We in God’s Program? (Dispensational)

  • Israel enters into formal covenant relationship under the Mosaic Law (Exod 19:5–8; 20:1–17).
  • The Law is given to a redeemed nation as a governing rule of life (Exod 12:51; 20:2).
  • Mediated revelation through Moses is established as the covenant pattern (Exod 20:19–21).

Why This Matters

  • The chapter records the giving of the Ten Commandments, foundational to the Mosaic Covenant (Exod 20:1–17).
  • It establishes God’s moral and covenantal requirements for Israel as a nation.

How This Chapter Relates to What Follows

  • Detailed civil, moral, and ceremonial laws will follow (Exod 21–23).
  • The covenant will be formally ratified with Israel (Exod 24:3–8).

Summary Orientation

  • The Ten Commandments are spoken directly by the LORD (Exod 20:1–17).
  • The people fear and stand afar off; Moses draws near to God (Exod 20:18–21).
  • Foundational worship instructions are given, initiating covenant legislation (Exod 20:22–26).
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