Study Desk

But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating dishonest profit. Place them over the people as commanders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens.

If you do this, and God so directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied.”

Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob and explain to the Israelites:

Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.

As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder.

Then God spoke all these words:

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.

Do not bow in worship to them, and do not serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the fathers’ iniquity, to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me,

Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God, because the Lord will not leave anyone unpunished who misuses his name.

but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or daughter, your male or female servant, your livestock, or the resident alien who is within your city gates.

Honor your father and your mother so that you may have a long life in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

“You speak to us, and we will listen,” they said to Moses, “but don’t let God speak to us, or we will die.”

Moses responded to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not sin.”

And the people remained standing at a distance as Moses approached the total darkness where God was.

But if he did not intend any harm, and yet God allowed it to happen, I will appoint a place for you where he may flee.

“You must not blaspheme God or curse a leader among your people.

Three times a year all your males are to appear before the Lord God.

“Bring the best of the firstfruits of your land to the house of the Lord your God.

Serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water. I will remove illnesses from you.

and they saw the God of Israel. Beneath his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself.