6 I swore that I would rescue them from Egypt and lead them to a land I had already chosen. This land was rich with milk and honey and was the most splendid land of all.
7 I told them to get rid of their disgusting idols and not to sin by worshipping the gods of Egypt. I reminded them that I was the Lord their God,
8 but they still rebelled against me. They refused to listen and kept on worshipping their idols and foreign gods.In my anger, I decided to punish the Israelites in Egypt.
9 But that would have made me look like a liar, because I had already promised in front of everyone that I would lead them out of Egypt.
10 So I brought them out and led them into the desert.
11 I gave them my laws and teachings, so they would know how to live right.
12 And I commanded them to respect the Sabbath as a way of showing that they were holy and belonged to me.