Following the Decalogue (Ten Commandments), a series of laws in concise form is given to the Israelites. These include regulations governing the master-servant relationship, capital offenses, bodily injury, and damage to property, negligence, theft, marital law, and treatment of the stranger, orphan, widow, debtor and animals. The application and effectiveness of these laws is dependent upon the integrity of witnesses and judges; their truthfulness and objectivity must be assured.

Mitzvot regulating food and agriculture are also dealt with – first fruits and firstborn must be dedicated to God. Meat of an animal torn by beasts may not be eaten. The land must lie fallow every seventh year. Everyone – including servants – must rest on the Sabbath. Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary must be made on Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot. A kid may not be boiled in its mother’s milk.

The people enthusiastically accept God’s laws. Moses, the priests and the elders witness a mystical vision of God’s glory. God commands Moses to ascend Mount Sinai to receive the tablets on which the Ten Commandments are inscribed. While Moses remains on the mount for forty days, Aaron and Hur will govern the people.