Exodus 19:11

11 and they must be prepared for the third day, because on the third day, Yahweh will go 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 And Yahweh said to Moses, "Look, I [am going to] come to you in {a thick cloud} in order that the people will hear when I speak with you and will also trust in you forever." And Moses told the words of the people to Yahweh.
10 And Yahweh said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes,
11 and they must be prepared for the third day, because on the third day, Yahweh will go down on Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people.
12 And you must set limits [for] the people all around, saying, 'Guard yourselves {against} going up to the mountain and touching its edge. Anyone touching the mountain will certainly be put to death.
13 Not a hand will touch it, because he will certainly be stoned or certainly be shot; whether an animal or a man, he will not live.' At the blowing of the ram's horn they may go up to the mountain."
Scripture quotations marked (LEB) are from the Lexham English Bible. Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software.