NOTE.—The law was not spoken at this time exclusively for the benefit of the Hebrews. God honored them by making them the guardians and keepers of His law, but He intended that it should be held by them as a sacred trust for the whole world. The precepts of the decalogue are adapted to all mankind, and they were given for the instruction and government of all. “Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and to his fellow men;” and all are based upon the great fundamental principle of love. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.” Luke 10:27. In the ten commandments these principles are carried out in detail, and are made applicable to the condition and circumstances of man. 3. Before the giving of the law at Sinai, what did Moses say when Jethro asked him concerning his judging the people? “When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and _I do make them know the statutes of God, and His laws_.” Ex. 18:16. 4. What explanation did Moses give the rulers of Israel concerning the withholding of the manna on the seventh day in the wilderness of Sin, before they reached Sinai? “And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, _Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord_.... Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, _which is the Sabbath_, in it there shall be none.” Ex. 16:23-26. 5. When some went out to gather manna on the seventh day, what did the Lord say to Moses? “And the Lord said unto Moses, _How long refuse ye to keep My commandments and My laws_?” Verse 28. NOTE.—It is evident therefore that the Sabbath and the law of God existed before the law was given at Sinai. 6. What question does Paul ask concerning the law? “Wherefore then serveth the law?” Gal. 3:19. NOTE.—That is, of what use or service was the law announced at Sinai? What special purpose had God in view in giving it then? 7. What answer is given to this question? “_It was added, because of transgressions_, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” Same verse. NOTES.—The Greek word here translated “added” is the same one that is translated “spoken” in Heb. 12:19.