Exodus 19:11

11 Have the people ready by the third day. On that day I will come down on Mount Sinai. Everyone will see it.

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 The LORD spoke to Moses. He said, "I am going to come to you in a thick cloud. The people will hear me speaking with you. They will always put their trust in you." Then Moses told the LORD what the people had said.

10 The LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people. Today and tomorrow set them apart for me. Have them wash their clothes.

11 Have the people ready by the third day. On that day I will come down on Mount Sinai. Everyone will see it.

12 "Put limits for the people around the mountain. Tell them, 'Be careful that you do not go up the mountain. Do not even touch the foot of it. You can be sure that all who touch the mountain will be put to death.

13 Do not lay a hand on any of them. Kill them with stones or shoot them with arrows. Whether they are people or animals, do not let them live.' They may go up to the mountain only when the ram's horn gives out a long blast."