Second version, same as first
1After that, the LORD told me, “Chisel a pair of stone tablets like the two I gave you. Carry them up to the mountain. Bring a wooden box, too. 2I’ll write on the new tablets the same words I wrote on the tablets you smashed to pieces.” 3So, I got some acacia wood and made the box. Then I chiseled two stone tablets. I carried them up the mountain.4The LORD wrote on these tablets the same Ten Commandments he wrote before. These are the same laws you heard him speak to you from inside that fire on the mountain when everyone assembled in the fields below. Then he gave the stone tablets to me. 5I put the tablets in the box and carried them back down the mountain. They’re still in the box today. [1]
Excerpt of Israel’s itinerary
6The Israelites left their camp at the wells of the Jaakan [2]family. They went to Moseroth, [3] where Aaron died and was buried. Eleazar, Aaron’s son, took his place as high priest. 7They left Moseroth and traveled to Gudgodah, [4] then on to Jotbathah, which had a lot of water and streams. 8This is when the LORD honored the tribe of Levi with the job of carrying the Box of the Ten Commandments. [5] This became their responsibility. They would serve as the priests of Israel. And they would give God’s blessings to people in all the other tribes—as they still do today. 9Levi’s tribe won’t inherit what the other tribes do. Instead, they’ll enjoy a unique relationship with the LORD, who will take care of them. The is what the LORD your God said.40 more days, nights
10Once again I stayed on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights—just like I did before. And again, the LORD did as I asked. He agreed not to kill you. 11After that, the LORD told me, “Get up and get going. Take your position at the front of the people and lead them to the land I promised their ancestors.”Here’s what God wants from you
12So now, Israel, what does the LORD your God expect of you? Respect him. Follow where he leads you. Love him with everything you’ve got in you, heart and soul.13Obey the LORD’s laws and instructions, which I’m telling you about today. Do it for your own good. 14Listen to me. Everything from earth to the highest heaven belongs to the LORD your God. It’s all his. 15Yet he loved your ancestors. He chose them. And he chose you, too. He chose you over all the other people in the world today. 16So stop acting stubborn. Cut it out. 17The LORD God is the God of gods. He is the Lord of lords. He is the Great God and the Mighty One. He deserves your respect. He treats everyone fairly and won’t take bribes.
18He brings justice to people often ignored: orphans, widows, and immigrants. He shows them love by giving them food and clothes. 19So follow his example. Show love to the newcomers among you. There was a time when you were newcomers to Egypt. 20Respect the LORD your God. Worship him. Stay close to him. Pledge your allegiance [6] to Him above anyone or anything else. 21Whatever glory you may get belongs to God. He did the wonders that brought you here. You’ve seen them with your own eyes. 22Seventy of your ancestors migrated to Egypt.[7] Now look at you. You fill the land like stars fill the sky. You have the LORD your God to thank.
