Deuteronomy 5 vs. Exodus 20

Attribute	Deuteronomy 5	Exodus 20
Location	Plains of Moab	Mount Sinai
Introduction	Reiteration of the Ten Commandments	Initial giving of the Ten Commandments
Length	Repeats the Ten Commandments with some variations	Original giving of the Ten Commandments
Context	Preparation for entering the Promised Land	During the Israelites' journey from Egypt
Additional Laws	Includes additional laws and instructions	Focuses primarily on the Ten Commandments

Introduction

Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20 are two chapters in the Bible that contain the Ten Commandments. While both chapters present the same commandments, there are some differences in the way they are presented and the context in which they are given. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20 to gain a better understanding of the significance of these commandments.

Context

In Exodus 20, the giving of the Ten Commandments takes place at Mount Sinai shortly after the Israelites have been freed from slavery in Egypt. The chapter begins with God speaking to Moses and giving him the commandments to share with the people. On the other hand, Deuteronomy 5 takes place forty years later, as the Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land. Moses reiterates the commandments to the new generation of Israelites, reminding them of the covenant that God made with their ancestors.

Language

One of the key differences between Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20 is the language used to present the commandments. In Exodus 20, the commandments are presented in the form of direct commands from God, using phrases like "You shall not" and "You shall." This gives the commandments a sense of authority and urgency. In contrast, Deuteronomy 5 presents the commandments in a more reflective tone, with Moses recounting the events at Mount Sinai and the words that God spoke to the people. This difference in language reflects the different contexts in which the commandments are given.

Order

Another difference between Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20 is the order in which the commandments are presented. In Exodus 20, the commandments are listed in a specific order, beginning with the command to worship only one God and ending with the command not to covet. This order is thought to reflect the importance of each commandment in the eyes of God. On the other hand, in Deuteronomy 5, the order of the commandments is slightly different, with some commandments being grouped together or presented in a different sequence. This difference in order may be due to the way Moses chose to present the commandments to the new generation of Israelites.

Emphasis

One of the key differences between Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20 is the emphasis placed on certain commandments. In Exodus 20, there is a strong emphasis on the commandments related to worshiping God and honoring the Sabbath. These commandments are given special attention and are presented at the beginning of the list. In contrast, in Deuteronomy 5, there is more emphasis on the commandments related to honoring parents and not committing adultery. These commandments are highlighted by Moses as being particularly important for the Israelites to follow as they enter the Promised Land.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20 both contain the same set of Ten Commandments, there are differences in the way they are presented and the emphasis placed on certain commandments. The context in which the commandments are given, the language used to present them, the order in which they are listed, and the emphasis placed on certain commandments all contribute to a deeper understanding of the significance of these commandments for the Israelites. By comparing the attributes of Deuteronomy 5 and Exodus 20, we can gain a greater appreciation for the importance of these commandments in the lives of God's people.