1. Commandments from the Decalogue restated (26:1-2)

The chapter opens with a restatement of two of the first four commandments from the Decalogue. Idolatry proved to be a persistent problem as the Israelites frequently turned to the worship of pagan gods of Canaan. Sabbath keeping demonstrates faithfulness to God, and because the Sabbath occurs weekly, it serves as a constant means of spiritual renewal for the faithful.