In this chapter, God formally enters into covenant with Israel. Moses reads all the words of the (foundational) covenant; and the people affirm their acceptance and obedience to it. The covenant is then ratified by the sprinkling of blood on the altar (representing God) and the elders of the people.
This chapter deals with bearing false witness (e.g. is a system of justice/court); Sabbath rules; the institution of three national festivals; God’s promise to bring them into the Promised Land and the prohibition against idolatry.
This chapter deals with property rights: the right of the owner to be recompensed, the punishment to the thief and a deterrent against stealing.
It is very important to understand how the New Testament writers quoted the Old, because sometimes there is confusion in HOW the quote is being used and worse than that, there might be an error in the New Testament.
This section deals with personal liability – liability for harm caused to the unborn, for injury to a slave, injuries caused by animals and negligence.
As the people began to withdraw from the awesome display of God’s presence, Moses drew near to the thick cloud on Mount Sinai; and God continued giving him His laws. In this section God deals with laws governing slavery, the death penalty and personal injury.
