Deuteronomy 5:6

-The Preface" to the Ten Commandments: the same as in Exodus 20:2. The phrases used, though occurring much more frequently in D, are also found (either exactly as here or with grammatical variations) in J and E (see on Exodus 20:2); so it is difficult to say whether the original form was simply I am Jehovahor the long one before us. A Preface longer than each of the separate wordsis not unnatural; yet the original may have been simply I am Jehovah thy Godas in ch. 6.

The Preface states the Lawgiver's Name, and His obligations upon Israel, -whereby He prepares their minds for obedience 1 [124]," by calling on their loyalty and gratitude. This tenderness of the Preface (Matthew Henry contrasts it with the awfulness of the Theophany from which it issues) and its appeal to high motives are characteristic of D. But in all the traditions of the origins of Israel's religion the note of redemption is fundamental; Grace is prior to Law, God's saving deeds to His commandments. The stress laid upon the Preface by theologians in their practical application of the Decalogue to Christianity is therefore just. The form of the Preface is similar to the opening phrases on several Semitic royal monuments: the Moabite stone, -I am Mesha son of Kemosh"; the Byblus stele, -I am Yeḥawmilk, King of Gebal, etc."; the Sidon sarcophagus, -I am Tabnith … King of the Sidonians, etc." But see Driver, Sam.2 p. xxiv. The prologue to the Code of Ḫammurabi is a record of the lawgiver's achievements.

[124] Calvin.

house of bondage bondmen, see on Deuteronomy 6:12.