history that becomes central in the issuing of the divine will and the demand for human responsibility. . At Sinai the nation gathers for the first time as a liberated people—free from the oppression of the Egyptians and free to become the people of Yahweh. Prior to the Book of the Covenant (Ex 20–23), Yahweh speaks to Moses, announcing his resolve for this group of freed slaves. The short speech by Yahweh begins with a historical recitation—the Egyptian experience is recounted: “You