A Scripture Catechism
in the
Method of the Assembly's

by Matthew Henry

Q. 43. What is the preface to the ten commandments?
A. The preface to the ten commandments is in these words, I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

1. Did God himself speak the ten commandments? Yes: God spake all these words, saying, Exod. 20:1. Was it fit they should be introduced with a solemn preface? Yes: Hear, O heavens, and give ear, 0 earth, for the Lord hath spoken, Isa. 1:2. Did he therein assert his own authority? Yes: I am the Lord thy God. Did he remind them of the great things he had lately done for them Yes: I am the Lord thy God, from the land of Egypt, Hos. 12:9.

2. Was the condition of Israel in Egypt very miserable? Yes: for the Egyptians made them to serve with rigour, Exod. 1:13. Did God bring them out of Egypt? Yes: He brought Israel from among them, for his mercy endureth for ever, Ps. 136:11. Did he do it miraculously? Yes: With a B hand, and a stretched-out arm, for his mercy endureth for ever, ver. 12. Did this oblige them to keep his commandments? Yes: When I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I said, Obey my voice, Jer. 7:22, 23. But does this concern us? Yes: for unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, Heb. 4:2. For is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes: of the Gentiles also, Rom. 3:29.