Moses and the covenant of law at Sinai

Overview

Recall questions on the conditions of Exodus 19, na'aseh v'nishma, the second set of tablets, the title given to Moses, and Orthodox and Reform views of its continuing force.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   Where in Exodus is the making of the Mosaic covenant recorded?

   Model answer

   Exodus 19-20, which describes Israel's arrival at Sinai, God's terms for the covenant and the giving of the Ten Sayings.

2. 2

   What does God offer Israel in Exodus 19:5-6 if they keep the covenant?

   Model answer

   They will be God's treasured possession out of all peoples, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

3. 3

   Why is the Mosaic covenant described as conditional?

   Model answer

   Its promises depend on Israel keeping God's commandments, whereas the promise to Abraham is given as a unilateral undertaking by God.

4. 4

   How does Exodus describe the setting in which the covenant was given?

   Model answer

   The mountain is wrapped in smoke and thick cloud with thunder, lightning and a rising blast of the shofar, and the people are warned not to approach it.

5. 5

   What does Exodus 24:4 say Moses did after the people accepted the covenant?

   Model answer

   He wrote down all the words of God, then built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes.

6. 6

   Translate the phrase na'aseh v'nishma and explain its importance.

   Model answer

   It means we will do and we will hear, the people's response in Exodus 24:7, taken by the rabbis to show that Israel accepted obedience before understanding.

Other ways to work this

The same content, four other ways.

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Six ways to work the same material.