Study Desk

Moshe told his father-in-law all that Adonai had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Isra'el's sake, all the hardships they had suffered while traveling and how Adonai had rescued them.

Yitro rejoiced over all the good that Adonai had done for Isra'el by rescuing them from the Egyptians.

(ii) The following day Moshe sat to settle disputes for the people, while the people stood around Moshe from morning till evening.

You will certainly wear yourself out — and not only yourself, but these people here with you as well. It's too much for you — you can't do it alone, by yourself.

Normally, they will settle the people's disputes. They should bring you the difficult cases; but ordinary matters they should decide themselves. In this way, they will make it easier for you and share the load with you.

Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine;

and you will be a kingdom of cohanim for me, a nation set apart.' These are the words you are to speak to the people of Isra'el."

so Adonai said to Moshe, "Go to the people; today and tomorrow separate them for me by having them wash their clothing;

and prepare for the third day. For on the third day, Adonai will come down on Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people.

You are to set limits for the people all around; and say, ‘Be careful not to go up on the mountain or even touch its base; whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death.

No hand is to touch him; for he must be stoned or shot by arrows; neither animal nor human will be allowed to live.' When the shofar sounds, they may go up on the mountain."

(S: vi) Moshe went down from the mountain to the people and separated the people for God, and they washed their clothing.

He said to the people, "Prepare for the third day; don't approach a woman."

You are not to make for yourselves a carved image or any kind of representation of anything in heaven above, on the earth beneath or in the water below the shoreline.

You are not to bow down to them or serve them; for I, Adonai your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sins of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

ד "Remember the day, Shabbat, to set it apart for God.

but the seventh day is a Shabbat for Adonai your God. On it, you are not to do any kind of work — not you, your son or your daughter, not your male or female slave, not your livestock, and not the foreigner staying with you inside the gates to your property.

For in six days, Adonai made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. This is why Adonai blessed the day, Shabbat, and separated it for himself.

You are not to make with me gods of silver, nor are you to make gods of gold for yourselves.

(S: Maftir) For me you need make only an altar of earth; on it you will sacrifice your burnt offerings, peace offerings, sheep, goats and cattle. In every place where I cause my name to be mentioned, I will come to you and bless you.