Moses’ reception of the Law was a key moment in the formation of the people of Israel. A disparate group of tribes and hangers-on emerged from Egypt into a land they did not know. The challenges that could pull them apart were many. The things that held them together were few.
In this context, the people make a promise together to be a people governed by the laws that were being handed down to them. Not only would these principles shape the way they conducted themselves with each other, they would come to be a key identity marker for the people.
All human authorities in Israel stand under this Law. Neither king, priest nor prophet may disregard it. Yet, while the law protects the people from destroying themselves, it does not have the power to save. That will be the task of Messiah!
