"I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." - Exodus 20:2 (New American Standard)
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The Covenant Preface
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Before God gives a single command, He begins with a declaration of identity, His own, and that of the people. This verse is the prologue or preamble to the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:3-17), framing the entire Law not as a cold list of rules, but as part of a relationship between the Redeemer and the Redeemed. God does not begin the Law with, "Do this or else," but with, "I am the One who saved you." That distinction changes everything.
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1.) "I Am The Lord" - Yahweh: The Covenant Name
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The word "LORD" (in all capital letters) represents the divine name (YHWH) (Yahweh) - the personal, covenantal name of God. This name was first revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, "I AM WHO I AM." Yahweh is not just a distant deity; He is the Present, Faithful, and Personal Creator!
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When God begins the Ten Commandments, He is reminding the Israelites that He is not one of many gods, but it is the One True, Self-Existent, Eternal God who entered into Covenant with them by Name, Yahweh.
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2.) "Your God" - A Personal Possession
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This is relational language. Not just a God or the God, but "your" God. God claims the Israelites as His people, and He identifies Himself as their Redeemer and King. This intimate expression lays the foundation for covenant responsibility. Our obedience to God flows from relationship, not mere duty. He is not just a rule-giver; He is our Redeemer, Father, and Savior.
3.) "Who Brought You Out Of Egypt" - Redemption Remembered
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God identifies Himself by His saving acts; not just by His nature. Egypt was more than a place; it symbolized oppression, false gods, and hopelessness. By delivering them from Egypt, God shows He is a God who acts on behalf of His people. This is shown through Scripture.
Deuteronomy 5:6, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt."
Hosea 11:1, "Out of Egypt I called My Son."
Luke 1:74, "God rescued us from the hand of our enemies to enable us to serve Him without fear."
4.) "Out Of The Land Of Slavery" - Freedom With Purpose
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The Hebrew word used for slavery here is 'ebed', meaning servant, slave, or bondman. God's act of redemption wasn't just to free them from bondage; it was to free them for something: worship, obedience, and relationship. Freedom, in God's eyes, is not autonomy, but alignment with His will. Just as Israel was delivered from sin and bondage through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:17-18).
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Practical Implications
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1.) Grace Comes Before Law
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God reminds us that He acted first. Before asking for obedience, He declares what He has already done. This is a grace-based covenant: Israel's obedience is not a way to earn salvation, but its a response to it. Obedience is not the cause of grace, but the result of redemption.
2.) Identity Comes From Relationship
Israel's national identity isn't rooted in race, geography, or politics, but in redemption. Their true identity was, "We are the people the Lord saved."
The same is true about our belief in Christ today (1 Peter 2:9-10).
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3.) The Law Flows From Relationship
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God's commandments are not arbitrary, they are relational. He gives laws to protect, guide, and bless His people, like a loving Father setting boundaries for His children.
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4.) Redemption Requires A Response
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The Lord's declaration in Exodus 20:2 calls for loyalty, worship, and obedience. It is a call to faithfulness in response to divine faithfulness.
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The New Testament, Jesus, & The Exodus
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Jesus is the new Moses, leading a new Exodus from the slavery of sin. At the Transfiguration, Luke says Jesus spoke of His 'departure' (Greek: exodos) which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Through Christ, believers are brought out of bondage into the freedom of the children of God.
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Key Applications
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1.) Remember What God Has Done
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Just as Israel was to remember Egypt, we must remember our own deliverance. Gratitude for past redemption fuels present obedience in the individual.
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2.) Live As A Redeemed People
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Our lifestyle should reflect the freedom and holiness we've been given. We serve a God who redeems with a purpose.
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3.) Let Obedience Be A Love Response
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Don't obey out of fear or legalism, obey out of love for your Savior. "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments." - John 14:15
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Reflection
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1.) How does knowing that God is your God change the way you view obedience?
2.) What 'Egypt' has God delivered you from in your life?
3.) Are there areas where you're still living like a slave when God has set you free?
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Going Deeper In His Word
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Romans 6:17-18 / From Slaves To Righteousness
1 Peter 2:9-10 / A Chosen People, Called Out Of Darkness
Titus 2:14 / Christ Redeemed Us To Purify A People For Himself
John 8:36 / If The Son Sets You Free, You Are Free Indeed​
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Until We Meet Again ~ Maranatha ~ Come Lord Jesus!