2011-02-20 - The Tenth Commandment

The Ten Commandments ~ Part 66
Tenth Commandment ~ Part 8

The Decalogue Conclusion

Chapter 20:18-26

Outline

1. The Reaction of the People to God vs. 18-21
2. The Response of God to the People vs. 22-26

   Supplemental reading - Deuteronomy 5:22-33

Now, we are going to look at the Eleventh Commandment. Oh, well I guess I just got stuck in there for a moment. The balance of Exodus, Chapter 20, is a closing of the section of the giving of the Decalogue.

1. The Reaction of the People to God

   With the giving of the Law, apparently God made His presence manifest to the people who were waiting at the foot of the mount. Remember the Lord's instructions to Moses prior to his going up? Exodus 19:12-13

   And you shall set bounds for the people all around, saying Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether beast or man, he shall not live.

   Not exactly conducive to a state of comfort, was it? And so from vs. 19, it is clear that the Hebrews are in a state of anxiety. God certainly made His presence visible in a way that would reinforce the fear and awe of the people. As I've said before, I think one of the great losses of the modern evangelical church is the apparent lack of the reverential awe, fear of the Lord. We just have made God too much of a "pal." By stressing His role as our Father, which He is, we have downgraded His role as the Righteous, Holy and infinite God.

   The Reaction of the People of God, continued next time.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

GKragen@aol.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

Additional studies by Geoff
Podcasts of Studies in Matthew can be found at www.GKragen.com