I am the Lord.
Five motives to obedience
Five motives are strewn on their path to constrain them to close obedience.
1. “I am the Lord.” This is authority employed.
2. “I will be hallowed among the children of Israel.” This is His holiness, and His desire to diffuse awe of His holy name.
3. “I am the Lord which hallow you.” Here is an appeal to their privileges as Israelites. Do you not feel that you actually are set apart for Me?
4. “I am the Lord which brought you out of Egypt.” Here is His claim as Redeemer, who paid the price and set free the captives. Is there gratitude in your souls? Is there sense of thankfulness for favour done?
5. “Your God”--as well as your Lord: His claim as Father, Shepherd, King, and whatever else there is that is tender in relationship, or beneficial in office, or sweet in character--all is summed up in “your God”! Who is like “our God”? “Who would not fear Thee?” (Jeremiah 10:7). (A. A. Bonar.)
Unquestioning obedience peremptorily enforced
I. What Jehovah was in Israel. “I am the Lord.”
II. What Jehovah was to Israel. “Your God.”
III. What Jehovah had done for Israel. “That brought you out of the land of Egypt.”
IV. What Jehovah would do with Israel. “I am the Lord which hallow you.” Ceremonially and symbolically priests and people were made holy by--
1. The rights they observed.
2. The sacrifices they offered.
3. The manifested presence of the Lord. (F. W. Brown.).