Israel at Mt Sinai
June 22, 2020
Commentary
Three months after the Exodus from Egypt the children of Israel entered the Desert of Sinai and camped near Mount Sinai (v. 1). We do not know the exact location of Mount Sinai but it is thought to be Jebel Musa in the Southern part of what is known today as the Sinai Peninsula. This is also thought to be the same place where God appeared unto Moses in the burning bush.
As the Israelites camped here Moses went up the mountain where God spoke to him about a new covenant that he wanted the people to agree to (vv. 2-3). If they would accept and obey the covenant stipulations God promised to give them protection and favor (vv. 4-6). When Moses went back down the mountain and informed the people about God’s Covenant the people quickly affirmed they would keep it (vv. 7-8). How easy it is to promise something, but so difficult to carry through. The Lord told Moses that He was going to come in a think cloud and speak to him and to let the people hear what He has to say to him(v. 9).
Moses again went up the mountain to relate to God the people’s acceptance of the proposed Covenant. At this point God ordered the people to separate themselves from impurity and to consecrate themselves to Him through a three day purification ritual prior to the giving of the Covenant (vv. 10-15). The people are warned not to touch any part of the mountain and if they do they will be put to death (v. 12).
Application
It is easy to make a promise to God about something but it is not so easy to follow through with that promise. God always keeps his promises but it is easy for me to fail to keep mine.
Exodus 19:1– 13 (NET)
1 In the third month after the Israelites went out from the land of Egypt, on the very day, they came to the desert of Sinai. 2 After they journeyed from Rephidim, they came to the desert of Sinai, and they camped in the desert; Israel camped there in front of the mountain.
3 Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, “Thus you will tell the house of Jacob, and declare to the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt and how I lifted you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 And now, if you will diligently listen to me and keep my covenant, then you will be my special possession out of all the nations, for all the earth is mine, 6 and you will be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you will speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses came and summoned the elders of Israel. He set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him, 8 and all the people answered together, “All that the Lord has commanded we will do!” So Moses brought the words of the people back to the Lord.
9 The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and so that they will always believe in you.” And Moses told the words of the people to the Lord.
10 The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and make them wash their clothes 11 and be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 You must set boundaries for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves not to go up on the mountain nor touch its edge. Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death! 13 No hand will touch him —but he will surely be stoned or shot through, whether a beast or a human being; he must not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast they may go up on the mountain.”
Illustration: Livingston Said I Will Not Flee
Livingstone, in Africa, came to the Zambezi, and wanted to cross. The chief had been mistreated by some treacherous trader, and had vowed to kill the next white man who came across. Livingstone, by his fluttering candle, turned to the Bible and read, as always, his evening passage, coming to the promise, “Lo! I am with you always, even to the ends of the world” (Matthew 28:20). Closing the Book, he said, “It is the word of a gentleman of the strictest and most sacred honor; I will not flee.” He did not flee and was used mightily by God in Central Africa. (Encyclopedia of Illustrations #13762).