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The Book of the Covenant[a]

Norms for Constructing an Altar to the Lord.22 The Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the children of Israel: ‘You have seen that I have spoken to you from the heavens. 23 Do not make gods from silver or from gold instead of me. You will not make them for yourselves.

24 “ ‘Make an altar for me in the land and upon it offer your burnt offerings and your communion sacrifices, your sheep and your oxen. In all the places where I cause my name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.

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Footnotes

  1. Exodus 20:22 This set of laws was probably promulgated at a later time than the Decalogue, since it supposes a people leading a settled, sedentary life. Perhaps it was given during the halt in the wilderness before Israel entered Canaan. The laws are concrete applications of the first commandment.

Idols and Altars

22 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven:(A) 23 Do not make any gods to be alongside me;(B) do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.(C)

24 “‘Make an altar(D) of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings(E) and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name(F) to be honored, I will come to you and bless(G) you.

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