Exodus 19:11

11 and prepare for the third day. For on the third day, ADONAI will come down on Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people.

Exodus 19:11 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 19:11

And be ready against the third day
Not the third day of the month, but the third day from hence, this being the fourth, and the morrow the fifth, and the third day, the day following that, the sixth, on which day it is generally agreed by the Jews that the law was given, (See Gill on Exodus 19:16)

for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the
people upon Mount Sinai;
which must be understood, consistent with his omnipresence, and is only expressive of some visible display of his power, and of some sensible token of his presence to the people; he was now upon it in the pillar of cloud, but then he would appear in another manner, and descend in a thick cloud and fire, which all the people would see, though they could not see the similitude of anything in it.

Exodus 19:11 In-Context

9 ADONAI said to Moshe, "See, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, so that the people will be able to hear when I speak with you and also to trust in you forever."Moshe had told ADONAI what the people had said;

10 so ADONAI said to Moshe, "Go to the people; today and tomorrow separate them for me by having them wash their clothing;

11 and prepare for the third day. For on the third day, ADONAI will come down on Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people.

12 You are to set limits for the people all around; and say, 'Be careful not to go up on the mountain or even touch its base; whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death.

13 No hand is to touch him; for he must be stoned or shot by arrows; neither animal nor human will be allowed to live.' When the shofar sounds, they may go up on the mountain."