The Speaking God: A Reflection on Exodus 20 and the Ten Words of the Covenant
(Based on a lesson given to the Karen Zoom community on March
25, 2021)
When we begin to explore the Ten Commandments, or as they are also called, the "Ten Words of the Covenant," it is crucial to first pause and reflect on the powerful introduction that sets the stage for these words: “And God spoke all these words, saying…”
God is a speaking God. This fundamental truth runs
throughout Scripture and reminds us that we have a God who communicates—in his creation,
to humanity, and ultimately through his Son. Let’s unpack this incredible reality.
1. God Speaks in Creation
From the very beginning, we see God’s voice in action. In Genesis 1:3, we read, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” This phrase repeats throughout the creation account: God speaks the universe into existence. His voice is powerful and creative, bringing life and order out of nothingness. The world we inhabit is a testimony to the God who speaks.
2. God’s Command to Man
In Genesis 2:15-17, God speaks directly to humanity, giving
Adam a command: to work and keep the Garden of Eden and to refrain from eating
from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Yet, man disobeyed. Adam’s
failure to listen to God’s voice brought sin, condemnation, and death upon
himself and all humanity. In Adam, we stand guilty, fallen, and in need of
redemption.
But God did not leave us in silence or despair.
3. God’s Words of Grace in Paradise
After the Fall, God spoke again. In Genesis 3:15, he declared
a promise: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your
offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise
his heel.” This is the first proclamation of the Gospel, a word of grace
and hope pointing to Christ, the One who would ultimately defeat sin and Satan.
Even in the midst of judgment, God’s voice calls out in
grace: “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9). This is the call of a loving God
seeking his wayward children.
God’s voice is heard again when he calls Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3: “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation…” Here, God speaks words of covenant promise, laying the foundation for his redemptive plan to bless all nations through Abraham’s offspring.
5. God Speaks Through his Son
The ultimate expression of God’s voice is found in his Son.
Hebrews 1:1-2 declares, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke
to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by
his Son.” Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh, God’s final and perfect
communication to humanity. Through him, we hear the fullness of God’s love,
grace, and truth.
Returning to Exodus 20, we see God’s voice again: “And
God spoke all these words…” These words, known as the Ten Commandments or
the Ten Words of the Covenant (Exodus 34:28), are a revelation of God’s
character and his will for his people.
Before giving the commands, God reminds Israel of who he is
and what he has done: “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt,
out of the land of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). This declaration is rooted in
the burning bush episode (Exodus 3:14), where God revealed himself as “I
AM.” He is the faithful, covenant-keeping God who saves his people.
7. The Gospel Before the Commandments
Notice the order here: God’s grace precedes his law. He doesn’t say, “Obey these commandments, and then I will free you.” Instead, God delivers his people first, then calls them to obedience. This is the pattern of the Gospel. We are not saved by our works or obedience; we are saved by God’s grace through faith. Then, as his redeemed people, we are called to live in faithful obedience.
8. God Still Speaks
God is still the speaking God. Today, he speaks to us
through his Word, through his Spirit, and through his church. Preachers
proclaim the Gospel, reminding us of his saving grace and calling us to respond
in faith and obedience.
But central to this is our response to the Gospel itself.
There is no salvation apart from believing the good news. Faith in Christ is
essential. God’s voice calls us to trust in him and to follow his commands as a
response to the freedom he has already given us.
Final Thoughts
The God who spoke creation into existence, who called Abraham, who gave the Ten Words of the Covenant, and who spoke through his Son is still speaking today. His voice is one of grace, salvation, and truth. May we have ears to hear and hearts to obey as we rest in the finished work of Christ.
