From Egypt, God led his people into the wilderness lands where he made an agreement with them. We read of this in Exodus chapters 19 and 20. Moses went up on a mountain where God spoke to him and said:
“This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” Exodus 19.3-6
God renewed his covenant with Abraham by making the Israelites into his nation. God wanted them to be a light to the world and show the true religion of Abraham, Noah and Adam, by worshiping the one true God. God also gave the people the right laws and good judgment. This law, known in the Bible as the Law of Moses, was based on the Ten Commandments given on the mountain to Moses, as we read in Exodus 20.1-17:
- You shall have no other gods before Me. (Do not honor anything above God.)
- You shall not make any idol. (Do not honor a man-made thing as you honor God.)
- You shall not take the name of God in vain. (Do not dishonor God’s name.)
- You shall remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not murder.
- You shall not commit adultery. (Do not sleep with someone else’s wife or husband.)
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness. (Do not lie.)
- You shall not covet. (Do not desire things other people have.)
When the people accepted the covenant of salvation and blessing they had to live differently. They needed to live according to God’s spiritual and moral rules of right and wrong. This covenant and law reminded them who they were. They became a nation by God’s grace. It also made the nation an example of God’s justice and righteousness. Moses told the people:
“See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the LORD my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORD our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?” Deuteronomy, the fifth book of the Taurat, 4.5-8
God freed Israel from Egypt and from all its enemies, and so the people had a message for all the nations. They were able to show everyone the one, true God. God gave Israel a new land and a way of living to show his goodness. Israel could fulfill the responsibilities God first gave all mankind. The Law guided them in how to show compassion. The Law showed them how to use the land the right way. The Law showed them how to protect the poor, to respect one another, and to bring peace into every part of life. God always reminded his people that they were but strangers and travelers in the land.