Exodus 19:1-11

1 In the third month after the children of Yisra'el had gone forth out of the land of Mitzrayim, on that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.
2 When they had departed from Refidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Yisra'el encamped before the mountain.
3 Moshe went up to God, and the LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, "This is what you shall tell the house of Ya`akov, and tell the children of Yisra'el:
4 'You have seen what I did to the Mitzrim, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you to myself.
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the eretz is mine;
6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of Kohanim, and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Yisra'el."
7 Moshe came and called for the Zakenim of the people, and set before them all these words which the LORD commanded him.
8 All the people answered together, and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." Moshe reported the words of the people to the LORD.
9 The LORD said to Moshe, "Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever." Moshe told the words of the people to the LORD.
10 The LORD said to Moshe, "Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments,
11 and be ready against the third day; for on the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai.

Exodus 19:1-11 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.

The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.