Exodus 20:2

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

Against mental or theoretic idolatry.

Verse Exodus 20:2. I am the LORD thy God] יהוה אלהיך Yehovah eloheycha. On the word JEHOVAH, which we here translate LORD, Genesis 2:4, and "Exodus 6:3". And on the word Elohim, here translated GOD, Genesis 1:1. It is worthy of remark that each individual is addressed here, and not the people collectively, though they are all necessarily included; that each might feel that he was bound for himself to hear and do all these words. Moses laboured to impress this personal interest on the people's minds, when he said, Deuteronomy 5:3: "The Lord made this covenant with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day."

Brought thee out of the land of Egypt, c.] And by this very thing have proved myself to be superior to all gods, unlimited in power, and most gracious as well as fearful in operation. This is the preface or introduction, but should not be separated from the commandment. Therefore, -