God Gives the Ten Commandments

After God set his people free from Egypt, Moses led them through the desert. In the third month they came to Mount Sinai and set up their tents at the foot of the mountain.

God told Moses to remind the people of everything he had done. God had carried them safely, like a great eagle carries its young on its wings. Now God wanted them to be his very own people. The people all answered that they would do what God asked.

For three days they got ready. Then a thick cloud covered the mountain. There was thunder and lightning and the long, loud sound of a trumpet. The whole mountain trembled. It was awesome! God was showing how great and holy he is.

God spoke and gave his people Ten Commandments. The first three are about loving God: love God above everything, say God's name with respect, and keep the Lord's Day holy. The other seven are about loving people: honor your father and mother, do not kill, be faithful in marriage, do not steal, do not lie, do not wish for someone else's husband or wife, and do not wish for someone else's things.

The people felt small next to God's greatness. Moses told them not to be afraid. God gave these rules as a gift, so they would stay close to him and live well together.

Jesus said all the commandments come down to two: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.