So begins a section known as the Book of the Covenant. It contains 42 judgments.
The first verse of the chapter serves as the title for the section of Exodus called “the Book of the Covenant,” a title given to it in Exodus 24:7. Many scholars think that the section starts in Exodus 20:22, where the rules for worshipping the LORD are stipulated. Within this section are 42 “judgments” designed to govern life in Israel.
The word translated ordinances (Heb. “mishpatim”) literally means “decisions.” They specified how judges in Israel were to deal with issues that arose in the daily life of the Israelites.
1 “Now these are the ordinances which you are to set before them:
Check out our other commentaries:
-
Psalm 121:1-2 meaning
The psalmist looks beyond the earth, up to God, and acknowledges that true help comes from Him....... -
Colossians 1:28-29 meaning
Paul describes his reason for writing the letter to the Colossians, revealing his desire for both his life/ministry and all of God’s people....... -
Leviticus 23:15-22 meaning
God declares the Feast of Weeks to be one of His appointed times. The Feast of Weeks was later named “Pentecost” by Hellenized (Greek) Jews...... -
Exodus 20:16 meaning
The 9th commandment is to protect a person from harm based on untrue accusations....... -
Exodus 24:4-11 meaning
Moses and the elders are called to come before the LORD for worship. The covenant of the LORD is ratified.......
