Exodus 20

God speaks directly to the entire nation of Israel from the mountaintop, proclaiming the Ten Commandments (the foundational moral and spiritual laws). These commandments cover duties to God (no idols, using God’s name respectfully, observing the Sabbath) and duties to neighbors (honoring parents, and prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and coveting). The thunder and lightning terrify the people, who beg Moses to speak for them so they do not die from hearing God's voice directly.