OLD TESTAMENT TEXTS

Exodus 20:1-20 is the account of the revelation of divine law to Israel that occurred at Mount Sinai. Psalm 19 is a hymn in praise of law.

Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 - "The Gift of Law"
Setting.  The most prominent event in Israel's wilderness journey is the revelation of law at Mount Sinai. After Israel is led out of Egypt in  Exodus 15  their initial wilderness journey is described for 3 chapters  ( Exodus 16 -18). In  Exodus 19:1 the journey stops and the reader is informed that Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, where they prepare to meet God. The revelation of God to Israel at Mount Sinai continues for the next 72 chapters   (Exodus 19; Numbers 10) . In these chapters Israel does not journey, and instead, they sit at the base of the mountain to receive revelation thro…