Exodus-Chapter-20
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Please Note: Some alterations
or (additions) have been made relating to ‘Names’ and ‘Attributes’ of אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, having been corrected like it once was pre the “Masoretic Text”.
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Remember the following truth from our beloved Torah!
“Ye shall NOT ADD TO THE WORD which
I command you, NEITHER SHALL YE DIMINISH FROM
IT, that ye may keep the commandments of יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֵיכֶם - the LORD your Eloleichem,
which I command you”. Davarim - Deuteronomy 4:2. (JPS-1917).
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With
Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.
Introduction:
Exodus Chapter 20 marks the absolute pinnacle of the Horeb experience, for אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God) gave us the revelation of the ‘Ten
Utterances’ - the ‘Ten Commandments’. It
is the moment where the liberated Israelites received their foundational
identity as a “holy nation”. These verses move from the cosmic awe of the
Divine Voice speaking from heaven to the practical, ethical boundaries that
define a just society. It establishes that the relationship with the Creator is
inseparable from the moral obligations humans owe to one another, all set
against a backdrop of fire, smoke, and a “thick darkness” that underscores the
weight of the Covenant.
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Let us now read Exodus
Chapter 20:1-22:
(JPS-1917 version of the Torah).
1. “And אֱלֹהִים - Elohim spoke all these words, saying: 2. ‘I
am יְהוָה
אֱלֹהֶיךָ
- the LORD thy Eloheicha, who brought thee out of the
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Let us now look at all
verses covered with Explanations:
Explanation Verses 1-2: אֱלֹהִים - Elohim (God) speaks the Ten
Utterances, beginning with a self-introduction as the One who brought the
people out of “the house of bondage”.
Explanation Verses 3-6: The first
and second utterances prohibit having other gods and the making of any “graven image”. It warns that the Divine is a “jealous
אֱלֹהִים - Elohim”, yet shows mercy unto the
thousandth generation of those who love Him.
Explanation Verse 7: The third
utterance forbids taking the name of יְהוָה - the LORD “in vain”, noting that such an act will
not go unpunished.
Explanation Verses 8-11: The fourth
utterance commands the sanctification of the Sabbath. Six days of work are followed by a
seventh day of rest for all men, women, servants, cattle, and strangers commemorating
the Divine rest after Creation.
Explanation Verse 12: The fifth
utterance commands to “Honour thy father and thy mother”. with the promise of long life upon the land.
Explanation Verses 13-15: Three
concise moral imperatives: “Thou shalt not murder”. “Thou shalt not commit adultery” and “Thou shalt not steal”.
Explanation Verse 16: The
prohibition against bearing “false witness” against a neighbour.
Explanation
Verse 17: The final utterance against coveting a neighbour’s house, wife,
servants, or property, addressing the internal roots of social discord.
Explanation Verses 18-19: The people
see the “thunderings” and “lightnings”
and tremble. Overwhelmed, they ask Moses to act as an intermediary so they do
not die from the direct intensity of the Voice.
Explanation Verse 20: Moses tells
the people “Fear
not”, explaining that the awe is a test intended to keep them from sinning.
Explanation Verse 21: The people
maintain their distance while Moses approaches the “thick darkness” where אֱלֹהִים - Elohim was.
Explanation Verse 22: The chapter
concludes with a bridge to the next laws: יְהוָה - the LORD instructs Moses to remind the people
that they have “seen
that I have talked with you from heaven”, followed by the instructions
for the altar that it be made of earth or unhewn
stone and approached without steps to ensure total modesty.
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My Closing Message:
Chapter 20 demonstrates that the Law is a singular, integrated reality. By
beginning with the memory of liberation and ending with the requirement for a
simple, unadorned altar, the text teaches that true worship is not found in
elaborate craftsmanship or human ego, but in the humble adherence to a moral
and spiritual code. The Horeb Revelation establishes that while אֱלֹהִים - Elohim is found in the “thick darkness”, His will is
made manifest through clear, actionable ethics that preserve the dignity of
every individual within the community.
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Note: “hebraicstudies”
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This
site was originally created, for those who desired to return to our blessed and
wonderful faith. Thus be wise and work on your faith and pray at least two or
three times a day (if possible) and always seek our beloved אֱלֹהִים - Elohim’s guidance, for His love is always with us,
especially when we seek Him, blessed be He! However this site has become very
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Remember
what אֱלֹהִים - Elohim, blessed be He, said the following via
several of our prophets...
“The More Torah, the More Life”,
For Elohim is the One who
gave us our ... “Life!”
May the שָׁלוֹם - Shalom = Peace of צְבָאוֹת- יְהוָה= the LORD of hosts, be with you, and
please always uphold our blessed שַׁבָּת - Shabbat, as well as the מוֹעֲדִים - Mo’a’dim -
Feasts, and continue saying your daily תְּפִלָּה - Tefeelah’s - Prayers and
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שָׁלוֹם
עֲלֵיכֶם - Shalom Aleichem - Peace be with
you!
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