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9. Will ye steal? The construction of the Hebrew is vivid and emphatic. The thought may be rendered, “What! stealing, murdering, committing adultery?” etc. The prevalence and continuance of these sinful acts are graphically represented.

Nitre. A mineral alkali, natron, or carbonate of soda, a deposit of certain alkaline lakes in Egypt. It was collected in ancient times to make lye for washing purposes (see Prov. 25:20). The product must not be confused with what is now called niter, or saltpeter, which is potassium or sodium nitrate.

Know not. Or, “have not known.” On the contrary, Jehovah had revealed Himself to the Israelites by the great act of redemption from slavery, the miraculous preservation in the wilderness, the proclamation of His holy law, and subsequent providential acts. The people knew by experience that He was God (see Ex. 20:1, 2).

Soap. Not a true soap, but a vegetable alkali, obtained from the burning of certain plants, and used for washing purposes.

9. Will ye steal? The construction of the Hebrew is vivid and emphatic. The thought may be rendered, “What! stealing, murdering, committing adultery?” etc. The prevalence and continuance of these sinful acts are graphically represented.

Know not. Or, “have not known.” On the contrary, Jehovah had revealed Himself to the Israelites by the great act of redemption from slavery, the miraculous preservation in the wilderness, the proclamation of His holy law, and subsequent providential acts. The people knew by experience that He was God (see Ex. 20:1, 2).