Dictionaries :: Proclamation of the Law

Condensed Biblical Cyclopedia

Proclamation of the Law:

Date. It was (2083) two thousand and eighty-three years from the creation of Adam to the death of Terah or Abram's entrance into Canaan (Genesis 5:3-32; Genesis 7:6; Genesis 11:10-32; Genesis 12:1-4; Acts 7:1-4), and it was (430) four hundred and thirty years from these events to the exodus (Exodus 12:40-41; Galatians 3:17). It was (50) fifty days from the exodus to the proclamation of the law (Exodus 12:37; Exodus 16:1-2; Exodus 19:1-25; Exodus 20:1-17; Numbers 33:3). The Ten Commandments. These commandments were proclaimed by the Lord, in person, from Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-25; Exodus 20:1-17; Hebrews 12:18-20). They, required strict submission to the one true and living God; prohibited idolatry in all forms; prohibited the taking of the name of the Lord in vain; required the keeping of the Sabbath; required the people to honor their parents; prohibited murder; prohibited adultery; prohibited stealing; prohibited the bearing of false witness; and prohibited covetousness (Exodus 20:1-17). These commandments were subsequently given to Moses on tables of stone in order that he might teach them to the people (Exodus 24:12), and preserve them (Exodus 31:18). These tables were deposited in the ark of the Lord for safekeeping (Deuteronomy 10:1-5; Hebrews 9:4). These commandments were called "the words of the covenant," because they constituted the basis of the covenant between the Lord and His people (Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 34:28). They were called "the testimony," because they constantly testified to the fact that the Lord had spoken to them (Exodus 20:1-17; Exodus 25:16). The tables of stone were called "the tables of the covenant," because the words of the covenant were written upon them by the finger of God (Exodus 31:18; Exodus 32:15-16; Deuteronomy 9:7-11). Important facts-Laws Given Previously. The law proclaimed by Jehovah from Mount Sinai was the first law that was ever given for a whole nation. Laws had previously been given to individuals only: the law prohibiting the use of the fruit of the three of life (Genesis 2:16-17); the law of marriage (Genesis 2:24); the law of sacrifice (Genesis 4:1-7; Hebrews 11:4); the law against eating blood, and murder (Genesis 9:4-6); and the law of circumcision (Genesis 17:1-14). Two reasons are given for the keeping of the sabbath day: the resting of the Lord on the seventh day; the deliverance of the Hebrews from bondage (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15).