This document is a very informative one for Judaism as it defines many core beliefs and the relationship with God, Yahweh, using a primary and secondary source.
There is a brief summary at the beginning giving information about the Israelites and about how they became the Chosen People of God. Then, the direct story from Deuteronomy, a book in the Bible, gives even more information. It talks about how Moses directly spoke to God and established a covenant, an agreement, between them.
This excerpt records the conversation between them, and through this, one is able to learn a lot about Judaism. The Israelites are declared as God’s Chosen People, so they evidently have a close and special relationship. God states that he is “a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children..of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments”.
God is a powerful and respected deity, intimidating to the people, but by following his commandments, they can accept special attention and love, as he saved them from their slavery and will continue watching out for them. This is a two-way relationship, as well, and the people are given rules from God that they have to follow. The origins of the Ten Commandments, the core rules and guidelines, are set in this passage, ordering respect from the people to God and to each other. This highlights the beginnings of the direct relationships and communication between God and the Israelites, including rules, which are still relevant and followed in the religion today.
