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."
14
Moshe went down from the mountain to the people and separated the people for God, and they washed their clothing.
15
He said to the people, "Prepare for the third day; don't approach a woman."
16
On the morning of the third day, there was thunder, lightning and a thick cloud on the mountain. Then a shofar blast sounded so loudly that all the people in the camp trembled.
17
Moshe brought the people out of the camp to meet God; they stood near the base of the mountain.
18
Mount Sinai was enveloped in smoke, because ADONAI descended onto it in fire -its smoke went up like the smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently.
19
As the sound of the shofar grew louder and louder, Moshe spoke; and God answered him with a voice.
20
ADONAI came down onto Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain; then ADONAI called Moshe to the top of the mountain; and Moshe went up.
21
ADONAI said to Moshe, "Go down and warn the people not to force their way through to ADONAI to see him; if they do, many of them will perish.
22
Even the cohanim, who are allowed to approach ADONAI, must keep themselves holy; otherwise, ADONAI may break out against them."
23
Moshe said to ADONAI, "The people can't come up to Mount Sinai, because you ordered us to set limits around the mountain and separate it."