Final answer:
The Lord told the Israelites the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. These commands formed a covenant outlining moral, religious, and social laws, and were received by Moses, who led the Israelites in their journey.
Step-by-step explanation:
At Mount Sinai, the Lord gave the Israelites a set of rules to live by, which are famously known as the Ten Commandments. These commandments were intended to be a covenant between God and the Israelites, outlining the principles of moral conduct, worship, and the legal foundation for the society they were to build. Moses, the leader of the Israelites, ascended Mount Sinai and received these commandments from God, which were written on two stone tablets. This profound event marked a significant moment in the history of the Israelites, as it defined their relationship with God and set them apart from other nations.
The history of the Israelites during this time, as recounted in the Bible, includes their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, their wandering in the desert, and the establishment of the covenant with God which included adhering to the Ten Commandments. These commandments included directives such as the worship of only one God, the prohibition of idolatry, and ethical laws relating to murder, theft, and covetousness, among others. Moses's role was crucial as he served as the mediator of this covenant, delivering the commandments to the people and leading them towards the Promised Land.