Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 2. I am the LORD thy God] ûyhla hwhy Yehovah eloheycha. On the word JEHOVAH, which we here translate LORD, see note on "Gen. ii. 4", and see note on "chap. vi. 3". And on the word Elohim, here translated GOD, see note on "Gen. i. 1". It is worthy of remark that each individual is addressed here, and not the people collectively, though they are all necessarily included; that each might feel that he was bound for himself to hear and do all these words.
Moses laboured to impress this personal interest on the people's minds, when he said, Deut. v. 3, i5: "The Lord made this covenant with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day." Brought thee out of the land of Egypt, &c.] And by this very thing have proved myself to be superior to all gods, unlimited in power, and most gracious as well as fearful in operation. This is the preface or introduction, but should not be separated from the commandment. Therefore,-
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1, 2 - God speaks many ways to the children of men; by conscience, by providences, by his voice, to all which we ought carefully to attend but he never spake at any time so as he spake the TEN COMMANDMENTS This law God had given to man before; it was written in his heart; but sin so defaced it, that it was necessary to revive the knowledge of it The law is spiritual, and takes knowledge of the secret thoughts desires, and dispositions of the heart. Its grand demand is love without which outward obedience is mere hypocrisy. It requires perfect unfailing, constant obedience; no law in the world admits disobedienc to itself. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in on point, he is guilty of all, Jas 2:10. Whether in the heart or the conduct, in thought, word, or deed, to omit or to vary any thing, i sin, and the wages of sin is death.
Original Hebrew אנכי595 יהוה3068 אלהיך430 אשׁר834 הוצאתיך3318 מארץ776 מצרים4714 מבית1004 עבדים׃5650
