What does the word God mean in Exodus 20:1?

The word "God" in Exodus 20:1 is Elohim, meaning the Almighty God—the God of everything, not just Israel. It is distinct from "the Lord God" (Jehovah) in verse 2, who was intrinsically involved with the nation of Israel.

Les explains that Exodus 20:1 opens with the word "God" and "God spake," which is Elohim, the almighty God, the all God of not just Israel but of everything. He contrasts this with verse 2's "the Lord God," which is Jehovah God, who was intrinsically involved with the nation of Israel. Les also notes that the law was specifically given to those under the law, yet Paul says all the world might be brought under its guilt, so the law still has control over the whole human race.

Exodus 20:1

And God spake all these words, saying,

What does the name Elohim mean in Exodus 20:1 when it says 'God spake'?

In Exodus 20:1, the word rendered "God" in "God spake" is Elohim. It denotes the almighty God, the all God—not merely Israel's God, but the God of everything. That distinguishes verse 1's Elohim from verse 2's "Lord God," Jehovah, who was intrinsically involved with Israel.