Exodus 18:1-20:23
Hearing of the miracles G-d performed for Israel, Moshe’s father-in-law Yitro arrives with Moshe’s wife and sons, reuniting the family in the wilderness. Yitro is so impressed by Moshe’s detailing of the Exodus from Egypt that he converts to the Hebrew faith. Seeing that the only judicial authority for the entire nation is Moshe himself, Yitro suggests that subsidiary judges be appointed to adjudicate smaller matters, leaving Moshe free to attend to larger issues. Moshe accepts his advice.
Israel arrives at Mt. Sinai where G-d offers them the Torah. After they accept, G-d charges Moshe to instruct the people not to approach the mountain and to prepare for three days. On the third day, amidst thunder and lightning, G-d’s voice emanates from the smoke-enshrouded mountain and He speaks to the children of Israel and all the mixed multitude, giving them the Ten Commandments:
1. Believe in G-d
2. Don’t worship other “gods”
3. Don’t use G-d’s name in vain
4. Observe Shabbat
5. Honor your parents
6. Don’t murder
7. Don’t commit adultery
8. Don’t kidnap
9. Don’t testify falsely
10. Don’t covet.
G-d instructs Moshe to caution the People of Israel regarding their responsibility to be faithful to the One who spoke to them.