ראשוןRishon
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, arrives with Moses’ wife and sons after hearing about G-d’s miracles in Egypt. Moses tells him what G-d has done, and Jethro offers sacrifices to G-d.
שניSheni
Jethro sees Moses handling all the Israelites’ disputes by himself and advises him to appoint capable judges over groups of people. Moses should handle only the most difficult cases and continue teaching the people G-d’s laws.
שלישיShlishi
Moses accepts Jethro’s advice and establishes a system of judges to handle the people’s disputes. Jethro then returns to his homeland.
רביעיRevi'i
The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, where G-d tells Moses to remind them of how He brought them out of Egypt. G-d declares that Israel will be His treasured people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.
חמישיChamishi
The Israelites agree to follow G-d’s commands, and Moses prepares them for the revelation at Mount Sinai. They are instructed to sanctify themselves and not approach the mountain, which is surrounded by thunder, lightning, smoke, and the sound of the shofar.
שישיShishi
G-d descends upon Mount Sinai and warns the people not to approach the mountain. He then gives the Ten Commandments, including belief in G-d, Shabbat, honoring parents, and prohibitions against murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and coveting.
שביעיShvi'i
The Israelites ask Moses to speak to them on G-d’s behalf because they are overwhelmed by the revelation. G-d then commands them not to make idols and gives laws concerning the construction of an altar.