Exodus 19:1-10

1 In the third month after the people of Isra'el had left the land of Egypt, the same day they came to the Sinai Desert.

2 After setting out from Refidim and arriving at the Sinai Desert, they set up camp in the desert; there in front of the mountain, Isra'el set up camp.

3 Moshe went up to God, and ADONAI called to him from the mountain: "Here is what you are to say to the household of Ya'akov, to tell the people of Isra'el:

4 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.

5 Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine;

6 and you will be a kingdom of cohanim for me, a nation set apart.'These are the words you are to speak to the people of Isra'el."

7 Moshe came, summoned the leaders of the people and presented them with all these words which ADONAI had ordered him to say.

8 All the people answered as one, "Everything ADONAI has said, we will do." Moshe reported the words of the people to ADONAI.

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;

Exodus 19:1-10 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 19

In this chapter we have an account of the coming of the children of Israel to Mount Sinai, Ex 19:1,2, of the covenant made with them there, the proposal on the part of God, and their acceptance of it, Ex 19:3-8, the previous notice God gave three days before of his appearance on the mount, the orders for their preparation to meet him, and the execution of them, Ex 19:9-15, the awful and tremendous appearance of God upon the mount, Ex 19:6-20 and the strict charge given, that neither people nor priests should come near and gaze, only Moses and Aaron with him were to come up, bounds being set to prevent the rest, Ex 19:21-24, and the chapter is closed with observing, that Moses went down from the mount, and delivered to the people what the Lord spoke to and by him, Ex 19:25.