These commandments were subsequently given to Moses on tables of stone in order that he might teach them to the people ( Exodus 24:12 ), and preserve them ( Exodus 31:18 ). These tables were deposited in the ark of the Lord for safekeeping ( Deuteronomy 10:1-5 ; Hebrews 9:4 ). These commandments were called
"the words of the covenant," because they constituted the basis of the covenant between the Lord and his people ( Exodus 20:1-17 ; Exodus 34:28 );
"the testimony," because they constantly testified to the fact that the Lord had spoken to them ( Exodus 20:1-17 ; Exodus 25:16 );
Laws Given Previously. The law proclaimed by Jehovah from Mount Sinai was the first law that was ever given for a whole nation. Laws had previously been given to individuals only: