Exodus 19 - God states His purpose to make Israel His people. After 3 days He comes down onto Mt Sinai to speak to them, warning Moses to strictly warn the people not to touch it. Moses goes up Pharaoh changes his mind again and pursued Israel to recapture them. God thwarts it, parts the Red Sea for Israel to go through, and brings the sea back down on Egypt. Moses goes up and down 3 times.
20 - God speaks the Ten Commandments. Israel begs to have Moses speak instead, God's voice is so overwhelming! Altars to God should be of earth or uncut stone, with no steps.
21 - slavery is regulated to be a temporary economic safety net, not a harsh, indefinite cruelty. Capital punishment for intentional murder, hitting or cursing parents (!), kidnapping for slave trading. When an animal does harm, its owner must pay for it.
Matthew 5 - Jesus gave laws from a mountain, too!
The needy and pure are blessed, for God will reward them.
Let others see your good works, so they glorify God.
God's righteous requirements run deep:
- to not murder means, don't even be angry with your brother
- to not commit adultery means, don't even look lustfully at her
- to not swear falsely means, don't take an oath by anything on earth
Don't retaliate against your enemy; love him.
6 - Don't give and pray and fast to be seen and honored by men. Do so from the heart, seeking reward in heaven, not here on earth. Don't be anxious about earthly things; trust your Father to provide and look to His kingdom first.
7 - Don't judge others more strictly than yourself.
Ask God for what you need, as a child does his father.
Do to others what you want them to do to you.
Stay away from false prophets - you'll know them by their lack of fruit.
If you do My words, you'll have a sure foundation for your house in the storm.
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