Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

The Moral Law Before Sinai

Before receiving the law at Sinai, how did Moses judge? BR-ASI9 252.3

“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.” Exodus 18:16. BR-ASI9 252.4

In the wilderness, before Israel reached Sinai, how did Moses explain the absence of manna on the seventh day? BR-ASI9 252.5

“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.” Exodus 16:23-26. BR-ASI9 252.6

When some went out to gather manna on the seventh day, what did the Lord say to Moses? BR-ASI9 252.7

“And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep My commandments and My laws?” Exodus 16:28. BR-ASI9 252.8

Note.—It is evident therefore that the Sabbath and the law of God existed before the law was given at Sinai. BR-ASI9 252.9

What further evidence have we that the moral law existed prior to its proclamation at Mount Sinai? BR-ASI9 252.10

“By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners.” Romans 5:19. BR-ASI9 252.11

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 1 John 3:4. BR-ASI9 252.12

Note.—The one man through whom sin entered into this world was Adam. Since sin is the transgression of the law, it follows that the law existed in Eden, else there would have been no transgression, no sin. BR-ASI9 252.13