10. So I took them out of Egypt and brought them into the desert.
11. I gave them my rules. I told them about my laws. If a person obeys them, he will live.
12. I also gave them my Sabbaths. They were to be a sign between us. Then they would know that I am the Lord. I make them holy.
13. “‘But in the desert Israel turned against me. They did not follow my rules. They rejected my laws. But if a person obeys them, he will live. They dishonored my Sabbaths. Then I decided to pour out my anger against them and destroy them in the desert.
14. But I acted for the sake of my name. I did not allow it to be dishonored before the nations. As the nations watched, I had brought the Israelites out of Egypt.
15. But in the desert I had to make another promise to the Israelites. I had to promise I would not bring them into the land I had given them. It is a land where much food grows. It is the best of all the lands.
16. This is because they rejected my laws. They did not follow my rules. They dishonored my Sabbaths. They would rather worship their idols.
17. But I had pity on them. I did not destroy them. I did not put an end to them in the desert.
18. I said to their children in the desert, “Don’t live by the rules of your fathers. Don’t obey their laws. Don’t make yourselves unclean with their idols.
19. I am the Lord your God. Live by my rules. Obey my laws and do them.
20. Keep my Sabbaths holy. They will be a sign between me and you. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.”