God commanded Moses many things throughout their interactions. Here's a breakdown of some of the most significant commands:
Key Commands at the Burning Bush:
* To go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites from slavery: This is arguably the core command. (Exodus 3:10)
* To tell Pharaoh "Let my people go, that they may hold a feast unto me in the wilderness." (Exodus 5:1)
* God gives Moses his name (I AM THAT I AM) to tell the Israelites who sent him. (Exodus 3:14)
* To cast his staff on the ground and have it turn into a snake. (Exodus 4:2-5) This was a sign to show the Israelites and Pharaoh the authority God had given him.
* To put his hand inside his cloak and then take it out, and it would be leprous and then restored. (Exodus 4:6-7) This was another sign for the Israelites and Pharaoh.
Commands Related to the Exodus:
* To perform the plagues upon Egypt: God guided Moses (and Aaron) in bringing about the plagues to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites. (Exodus 7-12)
* To institute the Passover: Instructions on how to observe the Passover to commemorate their deliverance from Egypt. (Exodus 12)
* To lead the Israelites out of Egypt: God directed their path and provided guidance. (Exodus 13)
Commands at Mount Sinai (The Ten Commandments and the Law):
This is where God gave Moses the most extensive and fundamental commands, forming the basis of Jewish law and influencing many other legal and ethical systems.
* The Ten Commandments: (Exodus 20, Deuteronomy 5) These are the most famous commands:
* You shall have no other gods before me.
* You shall not make idols.
* You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
* Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
* Honor your father and your mother.
* You shall not murder.
* You shall not commit adultery.
* You shall not steal.
* You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
* You shall not covet.
* The Book of the Covenant: (Exodus 21-23) A collection of laws covering a wide range of topics, including:
* Laws about slavery
* Laws about violence and personal injury
* Laws about property damage
* Social and ethical laws concerning justice, treatment of the poor, and honesty.
* Laws concerning religious festivals and sacrifices.
* Detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle: (Exodus 25-31, 35-40) The portable sanctuary where God would dwell among the Israelites. This included:
* Specific materials and dimensions for the Tabernacle itself.
* Instructions for the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the altar.
* Instructions for the priestly garments.
* Laws concerning sacrifices and offerings: Instructions on the different types of sacrifices and offerings to be made to God. (Leviticus)
* Laws concerning purity and holiness: Laws about ritual purity, dietary laws (kashrut), and laws concerning bodily discharges and diseases. (Leviticus)
* Laws concerning the priesthood: Instructions on the qualifications, duties, and responsibilities of the priests (the descendants of Aaron). (Leviticus)
* Laws concerning the Jubilee year and the Sabbatical year: Regulations about the release of debts and the freeing of slaves every seventh and fiftieth year. (Leviticus 25)
* To appoint leaders and judges: To help govern the people and administer justice. (Exodus 18, Deuteronomy 1)
* To conduct a census of the Israelites. (Numbers 1)
* To organize the tribes of Israel. (Numbers 2)
* To send spies to scout out the land of Canaan. (Numbers 13)
* To choose Joshua as his successor. (Numbers 27, Deuteronomy 31)
Important Considerations:
* The context of the commandments: It's crucial to understand the historical and cultural context in which these commands were given. They were specifically addressed to the Israelites in their journey from slavery to nationhood.
* Interpretations and application: The interpretation and application of these commands have been debated and evolved over centuries within Judaism and Christianity.
This is not an exhaustive list, but it covers the most significant and well-known commands God gave to Moses. The first five books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy), known as the Torah (in Judaism) or the Pentateuch (in Christianity), are the primary sources for these commands. Reading these books will give you a more complete understanding.