Jehovah Gives His Laws

ABOUT two months after they leave Egypt, the Israelites come to Mount Si'nai, which is also called Hor'eb.  This is the same place where Jehovah spoke to Moses from the burning bush.  The people camp here and stay for awhile.

As the people wait below, Moses climbs the mountain. Up there on top of the mountain, Jehovah comes down, he tells the Israelites what Jehovah has said. And the people say that they will obey Jehovah because they want to be his people.

Jehovah now does a strange thing. He makes the top of the mountain smoke, and causes loud thunder.  He also speaks to the people:  'I am Jehovah, your God who brought you out of Egypt.' Then he commands: 'You must not worship any other god except me.'

God gives the Israelites nine more commandments, or laws. The people are very afraid.  They tell Moses: 'You speak to us, because we are afraid that if God speaks to us we may die.' 

Next time: Conclusion of Jehovah Gives His Laws

From the jw.org publications