Introduction
The children of Israel make a covenant with God.
Verses
1In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.
2When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain.
3Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall tell the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
4‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself.
5Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from amongst all peoples; for all the earth is mine;
6and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.”
7Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the LORD commanded him.
8All the people answered together, and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.”
Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD.
Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD.
9The LORD said to Moses, “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.” Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.
10The LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments,
11and be ready for the third day; for on the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai.
12You shall set bounds to the people all around, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death.
13No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether it is animal or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain.”
14Moses went down from the mountain to the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
15He said to the people, “Be ready by the third day. Don’t have sexual relations with a woman.”
16On the third day, when it was morning, there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled.
17Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the lower part of the mountain.
18All of Mount Sinai smoked, because the LORD descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.
19When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice.
20The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. The LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
21The LORD said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.
22Let the priests also, who come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break out on them.”
23Moses said to the LORD, “The people can’t come up to Mount Sinai, for you warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain, and sanctify it.’ ”
24The LORD said to him, “Go down! You shall bring Aaron up with you, but don’t let the priests and the people break through to come up to the LORD, lest he break out against them.”
25So Moses went down to the people, and told them.
Questions
1. What did God promise the children of Israel if they obeyed him?
v 5 and 6 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from amongst all peoples; for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.' ...
2. What was the people's response to God's offer?
v 8 All the people answered together, and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.”
3. What was it like when God came down on the mountain?
v 18 All of Mount Sinai smoked, because the LORD descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 6 The children of Israel move and camp near the foot of Mount Sinai. Moses goes up the mountain where God offers to make them his special people if they will obey him
- v 7 and 8 Moses comes down the mountain and the people agree to do what the LORD has said
- v 9 to 15 Moses reports to the LORD the people's agreement. The LORD tells Moses to tell the children of Israel how to prepare to see the LORD come down on the mountain in three days time
- v 16 to 20 Three days later the mountain is on fire and shakes and a loud trumpet is heard as the LORD descends on the mountain. The LORD tells Moses to come up the mountain
v 21 to 25 The LORD tells Moses to warn the people to stay away from the mountain, but he tells Moses to come up the mountain with Aaron
Audio