Unit 3: Exodus: The Journey from Slavery to Freedom

Section 6: The Covenant on Mt. Sinai (Ex 19-20)

The Covenant on Mt. Sinai (Ex 19-20) Theophany Theology – The study of God and of God’s relation to the world Epiphany – An illuminating discovery, realization, or discovery (usually about oneself) –A visible manifestation of God Reveals God’s nature Revealed to the world In Exodus, usually occurs in some Natural Form –Burning Bush; column of fire & cloud of smoke –Thunder and lightning, trumpet blast of noise

The Covenant on Mt. Sinai (Ex 19-20) The Sinai Covenant –The Covenant mediated by Moses between God and the Israelites after the Exodus from Egypt The Ten Commandments –Correct attitude and behavior toward God and fellow Israelites –Basic building blocks for human community –Basic rules for living together in peace and security

The Covenant on Mt. Sinai (Ex 19-20) The Relationship between God and Humans God –Always takes the initiative –Great love for his people –Wants us to grow to be a better human Develop qualities of generosity, compassion –Ways are mysterious

The Covenant on Mt. Sinai (Ex 19-20) The Relationship between God and Humans Humans –Importance to recognize our dependence upon God –Should not force God to do our will –Must be open to and listen to God’s mysterious will/desires for us –Response to God – must take responsibility for our actions and make the most of the gifts and talents and abilities that God has granted to us

The Covenant on Mt. Sinai (Ex 19-20) Ratification of the Covenant –Covenant Pact, promise A solemn agreement between God and his people –Sinai Covenant Mount Sinai (same as Mount Horeb from the Burning Bush story) Ten Commandments –Set of laws that unites God and the Israelites –Presented to the Israelites by the prophet (one who represents and speaks for God) Moses

The Covenant on Mt. Sinai (Ex 19-20) Ratification of the Covenant –The acceptance of the Sinai Covenant (the Laws/Commandments of Moses and) by the people –The acceptance of the Sinai Covenant by the people is than ritualized by Moses The ritual binds the Covenant between God and his Chosen People (connects God to the Israelites) Moses sacrifice young bulls as peace offerings to the Lord Blood is splashed on the altar (representing God) and sprinkled on the people (the Israelites) to bind/unite –Blood is a symbol of the life force, faith, strength, protection

The Covenant on Mt. Sinai (Ex 19-20)

Section 6: The Ten Commandments “It’s the 10 Commandments: Just Say ‘Yes’” by Mike Tighe

The Ten Commandments “It’s the 10 Commandments: Just Say ‘Yes’” by Mike Tighe –Topic The Ten Commandments Positive (life giving) Interpretation of the Commandments rather than a Negative (limiting) Interpretation The Spirit of the Law, rather than the Letter/Word of the Law

The Ten Commandments “It’s the 10 Commandments: Just Say ‘Yes’” by Mike Tighe –Thesis

The Ten Commandments “It’s the 10 Commandments: Just Say ‘Yes’” by Mike Tighe –Biblical Contextualism Approach Looking for the deeper meaning (the religious truth) of the text

The Ten Commandments

Section 7: Breaking and Re-Binding the Covenant (Ex 32-34)

Breaking and Re-Binding the Covenant (Ex 32-34)