And the LORD said to Moses introduces one final command of Yahweh which is addressed just to Moses. Write these words is literally “You [singular] write for you these words [devarim].” In the present context this refers to all that Yahweh has said in verses 10-26, and Moses is the one to do the writing. (See the comment on devarim in the introduction to 20.22-26.)

In accordance with these words is literally “for over the mouth of these words.” Good News Translation has “because it is on the basis of these words.” I have made a covenant with you and with Israel is literally “I cut with you [singular] a covenant and with Israel.” (See the comment on “cutting a covenant” at 23.32.) The intended tense of the verb “I cut” is not clearly indicated, so Good News Translation has “I am making a covenant.” The word order is significant, for it indicates that the covenant is first made with Moses, and through him with Israel. Translators are urged to follow Good News Translation‘s model.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .