I am the LORD thy God, &c.— This is supposed, by some, to be the preface of the first commandment; but it appears, rather, to be the general introduction to them all, especially as it is found in Leviticus 19:25; Leviticus 19:31; Leviticus 19:34, &c. subjoined to a great variety of commandments. Jehovah, being about to deliver laws to the Hebrews, as their peculiar God and King, in these words recognizes his august titles, and his just authority over them: grounding his claim to their obedience, not on the general argument of his universal supremacy and dominion; but on that of his particular protection towards them, founded upon the covenant he had entered into with their fathers, and upon that redemption of them from Egyptian bondage, which he had perfected in consequence of that covenant. I am JEHOVAH, thy
אלהים elohim, the promised Deliverer in covenant with thee and thy fathers; and who, in pursuance of that covenant, have brought thee forth from Egypt, in order to give thee the land which I have promised: thou, therefore, thus peculiarly related to me, hearken to my will, and obey my commandments; and thus shalt thou inherit the blessing.