All things bear record · Exodus

Exodus 20

6 witnesses of Christ here.

Jehovah, Giver of the Law

And God spake all these words, saying, Exodus 20:1–3

The voice that gives the Ten Commandments is Jehovah, the Deliverer from bondage. When Jesus visited the Nephites He said plainly that He gave the law, so these commandments are His own words.

VerifiedJehovah — the LORDHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him

  • interpreted by 3 Nephi 15:5 — Behold, I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my people Israel.
  • quoted by Mosiah 12:34-35 — Abinadi quotes the opening commandments to King Noah's priests.

Jehovah

Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; Exodus 20:5–6

Jehovah links love for Him with keeping His commandments. Jesus uses nearly the same words in the Upper Room, showing He is the same Lord who spoke at Sinai.

VerifiedJehovah — the LORDHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · proposed by the reading

  • alluded to by John 14:15 — If ye love me, keep my commandments.
  • quoted by Mosiah 13:13-14 — Abinadi quotes: showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

The name of the LORD

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Exodus 20:7

Jehovah's name is holy and must not be used lightly or emptily, as in oaths made without real purpose. In latter-day revelation Christ repeats the warning about using His name in vain.

VerifiedJehovah — the LORDA divine name

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

  • alluded to by D&C 63:61-62 — Let all men beware how they take my name in their lips... who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain.
  • quoted by Mosiah 13:15 — Abinadi quotes the commandment.

Creation by Christ

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Exodus 20:8–11

The sabbath honors Jehovah as the Creator of heaven and earth. Scripture teaches that all things were made by Jesus Christ under the Father, and Jesus called Himself Lord of the sabbath.

VerifiedJehovah — the LORDA divine name

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him · a footnote points to Him

  • the same event in John 1:3 — All things were made by him (the Word).
  • the same title in Mark 2:27-28 — The Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

Moses as Mediator

And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. Exodus 20:18–21

Terrified, the people ask Moses to stand between them and God. Deuteronomy says this very request at Horeb is why the Lord promised a Prophet like Moses, and Jesus told the Nephites He is that Prophet.

VerifiedProphecy or typeA person who is a type of Him

How we know: a footnote points to Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

  • alluded to by Deuteronomy 18:15-18 — Recalls the Horeb request ('Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD') and promises a Prophet like unto Moses.
  • a type of what is in 3 Nephi 20:23 — Behold, I am he of whom Moses spake.
  • alluded to by Hebrews 12:19-24 — They that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more; we come to Jesus the mediator.

Sacrifice as similitude

An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee. Exodus 20:24

Jehovah commands altars and animal sacrifices where He will come and bless His people. From Adam onward these sacrifices were a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son.

VerifiedProphecy or typeAn ordinance that points to Him

How we know: another scripture interprets it of Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him

  • interpreted by Moses 5:7 — This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father.