Final Exam Part 2: Exodus 20

Discuss the components that make up a loyalty oath (suzerain-vassal treaty)and explain how Exodus 20 (the Ten Commandments) fits into that genre.

The most prevalent and well preserved writings of the Ancient Near Eastern culture were that of the suzerain-vassal treaty structure so it is by no mistake that the writings of the Old Testament from that time period would incorporate that into into their literary structure. The Ten Commandments provides one of the clearest forms of that use. The preamble, or the statement of the covenant parties, shows God to be the great King in verses 1 to 2a. Next, the historical prologue, provides the context for what the great king has done for his vassals, Israel, in delivering them out of slavery. The great king has redeemed his people in verse 2b. As the Ten Commandments continue to unfold in verses 3 - 17, we see the stipulations or the law that set the parameters for loyalty oath such as: remembering the sabbath, honoring your parents and so forth. Within these stipulations we discover divine sanctions or cursings and blessings for disobedience and obedience to these stipulations. Cursing like punishment for sin and blessings like enduring love to the family of covenant keepers. The preservation or documentary clause of this suzerain-vassal treaty was given to Moses by God on Mount Sinai and was to be set inside the Ark of the Covenant protecting and preserving this loyalty oath from any additions, corruptions or redactions. Finally, the witness of this treaty was before the entire assembly of God's people at Mount Sinai as it was consumed by fire. This witness would be preserved in the Ark as the Israelites camped all around it when they rested, and would lead them throughout the wilderness as they marched towards the promise land. Ultimately, God is the divine witness and preserver as he made his presence and dwelling place above the Ark upon the mercy seat.