What is the meaning of Exodus 20:22? Then the LORD said to Moses “Then the LORD said to Moses…” (Exodus 20:22a) • Right after giving the Ten Commandments, God continues the conversation. His voice is still the authority on the mountain, just as in Exodus 20:1. • The initiative is entirely God’s; Moses doesn’t ask for more. This mirrors Exodus 3:4 where the LORD called to Moses from the bush and Acts 7:38 where Moses is called the “living oracles” mediator. • The scene underscores God’s ongoing relationship with His people—He didn’t just hand down rules and leave; He keeps speaking (see Deuteronomy 5:24). This is what you are to tell the Israelites “…‘This is what you are to tell the Israelites…’” (Exodus 20:22b) • God entrusts Moses with a message, highlighting the role of faithful proclamation (compare Numbers 12:6–8; Hebrews 3:5). • The wording stresses accuracy. Moses may not alter, embellish, or subtract; he is a steward, not an editor (see Deuteronomy 4:2; Revelation 22:18-19). • For us, this frames Scripture as God’s word delivered through human servants—why 2 Timothy 3:16 calls all Scripture “God-breathed.” You have seen for yourselves “…‘You have seen for yourselves…’” (Exodus 20:22c) • Israel’s experience is firsthand. The entire nation heard the thunderous voice and saw the mountain tremble (Exodus 19:16-19). • Personal witness leaves them without excuse when temptation comes to doubt (cf. Deuteronomy 11:2-7). • The New Testament parallels this appeal to eyewitness testimony in 1 John 1:1-3 and 2 Peter 1:16. that I have spoken to you from heaven “…‘that I have spoken to you from heaven.’” (Exodus 20:22d) • God’s voice originates “from heaven,” emphasizing transcendence—He is not one of the earth-bound idols Egypt worshiped (compare Psalm 115:3-8). • Hebrews 12:25 picks up this phrase: if those who ignored the voice on earth were judged, how much more those who refuse the one speaking from heaven now. • The statement also foreshadows later heavenly affirmations of Christ, such as the Father’s voice at Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration (Matthew 3:17; 17:5; John 12:28-30). • Because the speaker is the Creator, His words carry unstoppable authority and covenantal weight (Isaiah 55:10-11). summary Exodus 20:22 reminds Israel—and us—that the commands just given come straight from the living God, not from human tradition. Moses must relay God’s exact words; Israel can’t plead ignorance because they witnessed His heavenly voice. The verse anchors the law in divine revelation, calling every generation to listen carefully to the One who still speaks with supreme authority. |
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