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More Exodus commentaries
Exodus 19:1-13
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Exodus 19:1-13
© Family Times | About Us | Donate | Contact Us
Search for sermons by: Commentaries | Scripture search | Topics
Exodus 19:1–13
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)
Livingstone, in Africa, came to the Zambezi, and wanted to cross. The chief had been mistreated by some treacherous trader, and had vowed to kill the next white man who came across. Livingstone, by his fluttering candle, turned to the Bible and read, as always, his evening passag … More
Three months after the Exodus from Egypt the children of Israel entered the Desert of Sinai and camped near Mount Sinai (v. 1). We do not know the exact location of Mount Sinai but it is thought to be Jebel Musa in the Southern part of what is known today as the Sinai Peninsula. This is also thought to be the same place where God appeared unto Moses in the burning bush.
As the Israelites camped here Moses went up the mountain where God spoke to him about a new covenant that he wanted the people to agree to (vv. 2-3). If they would accept and obey the covenant stipulations God promised to give them protection and favor (vv. 4-6). When Moses went back down the mountain and informed the people about God’s Covenant the people quickly affirmed they would keep it (vv. 7-8). How easy it is to promise something, but so difficult to carry through. The Lord told Moses that He was going to come in a think cloud and speak to him and to let the people hear what He has to say to him(v. 9).
Moses again went up the mountain to relate to God the people’s acceptance of the proposed Covenant. At this point God ordered the people to separate themselves from impurity and to consecrate themselves to Him through a three day purification ritual prior to the giving of the Covenant (vv. 10-15). The people are warned not to touch any part of the mountain and if they do they will be put to death (v. 12).
Application
It is easy to make a promise to God about something but it is not so easy to follow through with that promise. God always keeps his promises but it is easy for me to fail to keep mine.
Exodus 19:1-13 (English Standard Version)
On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. They set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, and they encamped in the wilderness. There Israel encamped before the mountain, while Moses went up to God. The LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel: You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel." So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. All the people answered together and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD. And the LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever." When Moses told the words of the people to the LORD, the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, 'Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.' When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain."
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