Question

In Stephen’s speech before the high priest, he describes Moses’ instructions to the Israelites as ___________.

Answer 1

In Stephen's speech, he described Moses' instructions to the Israelites as divine commands that dictated the construction of the tabernacle and adherence to God's laws, including the Ten Commandments, given on Mount Sinai.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Stephen's speech before the high priest, recorded in the Christian New Testament, he refers to Moses' instructions to the Israelites as divine commands that were to be followed meticulously. Moses received these instructions on Mount Sinai, where he was given the two stone tablets inscribed with the Ten Commandments. These commandments were more than just rules; they represented a covenant between God and the Israelites, outlining behaviors necessary for their prosperity in the promised land.

Furthermore, Moses instructed the Israelites to build the tabernacle according to the specific pattern that he was shown on the mountain, which was a representation of heavenly things. This required precise obedience to God's instructions, emphasizing the importance of following God's commands in their worship and daily lives. The overarching theme highlighted in Stephen's speech is the deep commitment to follow God's law, which Moses emphasized as essential for the Israelites' success in settling Canaan.

This focus on obedience extended to Moses' admonishments when the Israelites deviated from their path, such as when they constructed and worshipped a golden calf, which violated the commandment against idolatry. Stephen's recounting of these instructions serves not only as a remembrance of what Moses commanded but also as a reminder of the consequences when those instructions were not followed.

Answer 2

Stephen's speech characterizes Moses' instructions to the Israelites as divine orders that included the Ten Commandments and were essential for the prosperity and covenant with God in the promised land.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Stephen's speech before the high priest, he describes Moses' instructions to the Israelites as directives from God himself, meant to guide them in their worship and behavior as they formed a covenant with Yahweh. These instructions included the Ten Commandments, which were given to Moses on two stone tablets and were to be strictly adhered to as part of the covenant with God. This covenant promised the Israelites prosperity in the promised land as long as they followed these commandments. Moreover, Moses led the Hebrews out of Egypt and through the Sinai desert during the Exodus, demanding exclusive worship of Yahweh and compliance with his laws. The transgressions of the Israelites, such as the worship of the golden calf, highlighted the importance of these divine instructions and the consequences of not adhering to them.