The LORD's command to Moses is a central theme in the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, which are traditionally attributed to Moses himself. These commands are foundational to the establishment of Israel as a nation and the development of its religious and legal systems. The commands given to Moses by the LORD encompass a wide range of instructions, including the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, the giving of the Law, the construction of the Tabernacle, and the organization of worship and community life.

1. The Call of Moses

The LORD first called Moses at the burning bush, as recorded in Exodus 3. Here, God revealed Himself to Moses and commissioned him to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. The LORD said, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry... So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:7, 10). This initial command set the stage for the subsequent liberation of the Israelites and the unfolding of God's covenantal promises.

2. The Giving of the Law

One of the most significant commands given to Moses was the delivery of the Law at Mount Sinai. In Exodus 19-24, the LORD provided Moses with the Ten Commandments and various other laws that would govern the moral, civil, and ceremonial life of Israel. The LORD declared, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations" (Exodus 19:5). This covenant established Israel as a holy nation and set them apart for God's purposes.

3. The Construction of the Tabernacle

The LORD also commanded Moses regarding the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that would serve as the dwelling place of God among His people. Detailed instructions are found in Exodus 25-31, where the LORD said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to bring Me an offering... Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them" (Exodus 25:2, 8). The Tabernacle was central to Israel's worship and symbolized God's presence with His people.

4. The Organization of Worship and Community Life

In Leviticus and Numbers, the LORD provided Moses with further commands concerning the organization of worship and the community life of Israel. These included instructions on sacrifices, festivals, dietary laws, and the roles of priests and Levites. The LORD emphasized holiness, saying, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own" (Leviticus 20:26).

5. The Journey to the Promised Land

Throughout the book of Numbers, the LORD's commands to Moses guided the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land. These commands included the organization of the tribes, the taking of a census, and the establishment of camp regulations. The LORD assured Moses of His guidance, saying, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest" (Exodus 33:14).

6. The Renewal of the Covenant

In Deuteronomy, Moses reiterated the LORD's commands to a new generation of Israelites on the brink of entering the Promised Land. This book serves as a renewal of the covenant, with Moses urging the people to remain faithful to the LORD. He reminded them, "See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, as well as death and disaster" (Deuteronomy 30:15), emphasizing the blessings of obedience and the consequences of disobedience.

The LORD's commands to Moses are integral to understanding the identity and mission of Israel as God's chosen people. These commands not only shaped the religious and social structure of ancient Israel but also laid the groundwork for the coming of the Messiah, who would fulfill the Law and establish a new covenant with God's people.