Many Near Eastern treaties started with the ruler's name and titles. The phrase, "I am the LORD your God," names the great king, Yahweh (LORD), and gives his title, "your God" (see also Exodus 20:2; Deuteronomy 5:6). These words briefly recalled Israel’s covenant with God and all it meant. By reminding the people they belonged to the Lord, these words demanded a response (Leviticus 11:44; 18:4–5). Chapter 18 starts and ends with these words, and they appear often throughout chapters 19–26.