Time & Place
- Time: 1491 BC
- Location: Mount Sinai (Horeb), Wilderness of Sinai
- Setting: Israel encamped at Sinai following arrival from Egypt (Exod 19:1–2)
Where Are We in the Text?
- The LORD delivers the Ten Commandments directly to the nation (Exod 20:1–17).
- Regulations governing approach to God and mediation are established (Exod 20:18–26).
- Laws concerning personal conduct, social responsibility, and restitution are given (Exod 21–22).
Where Are We in Time?
- These chapters occur after approximately three months of journeying from Egypt to Sinai (Exod 19:1).
- The giving of the Law takes place before any movement resumes in the wilderness (Exod 24:9–18).
- Israel transitions from a redeemed people to a nation placed under covenant law (Exod 20:1–2).
Where Are We on the Map?
- Mount Sinai (Horeb): Location of divine revelation and lawgiving (Exod 19:11, 18–20; 20:1).
- Israel remains encamped at the base of the mount throughout this period (Exod 19:2; 24:9–11).
Where Are We in God’s Program? (Dispensational)
- The Mosaic Covenant is formally introduced and begins to govern Israel’s national life (Exod 19:5–8; 20:1–2).
- Israel is constituted as a theocratic nation under conditional law (Deut 5:1–3).
- Law follows redemption and does not produce it (Exod 20:2; Gal 3:17).
Why This Matters
- God defines righteousness, responsibility, and justice for His redeemed nation (Exod 20–22).
- The Law establishes accountability in worship, society, and daily life (Exod 20:24–26; 21–22).
How This Reading Relates to What Follows
- Additional covenant statutes will be given and ratified (Exod 23–24).
- Israel will formally accept the covenant and its obligations (Exod 24:3–8).
Summary Orientation
- God speaks directly to Israel and establishes covenant law.
- National life is ordered under divine authority.
- The Mosaic economy begins at Sinai.