Having given the Israelites the ten commandments, the Lord proceeds to give them the ordinations, which are to be used to make rulings in disputes.

Some of them are outdated, relating to slavery, and putting people to death for having sex with animals, while others are still valid: “Do not follow the majority when they are wrong, or when they give evidence that perverts justice.”

Others have interesting implications for the management of land: God instructs that all land is to lie fallow for one year out of seven, as a sort of Sabbath for the land. This has been shown to be sound agricultural management (although would be very tricky in this overcrowded and hungry world!)

God also specifies his promise to the Israelites about what land is to be theirs, if they obey the angel God is to send to lead them.

Moses asks the people if they will agree to the covenant. They say they will.

Dear God,

Please help me obey You. Please help me teach my children to obey you. Forgive me when I fail you, and thank you that I am forgiven for my failings and sins, whenever I ask in Jesus’ name.

Thank you for making me your child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.