Exodus 19:3
ESV
while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel:
NIV
Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, "This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel:
NASB
And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, 'This is what you shall say to the house of Jacob and tell the sons of Israel:
CSB
Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain: "This is what you must say to the house of Jacob and explain to the Israelites:
NLT
Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, 'Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel:
KJV
And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
NKJV
And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel:
What does Exodus 19:3 mean?
Only Moses is allowed to ascend the mountain at this time (Exodus 19:1–2, 12). This is where God will institute His covenant with Israel (Exodus 19:12, 20). Moses relays the instructions God gives (Exodus 19:5–7). The mountain will be obscured by smoke (Exodus 19:9) and filled with fire and lightning (Exodus 19:16).Until now, only Abraham has been part of an established covenant with the Lord (Genesis 17:1–4). When Abraham was still named Abram (Genesis 17:5), God made promises about Abraham's descendants (Genesis 12:1–3). Those were later clarified as God established laws such as circumcision (Genesis 17:6–10). The promise carried on through Isaac and Jacob (Genesis 50:24). This arrangement was unconditional. God would not fail to do as He promised for Abraham's descendants, regardless of what choices were made.
However, the covenant presented to Moses is conditional. To enjoy the benefits, the people must fulfill their obligations (Exodus 19:5). The Lord will later give dire warnings about the effects of Israel's obedience or disobedience (Deuteronomy 30:15–18).
Exodus 19:1–15 records God's instructions to Israel at the base of Mount Sinai, also referred to as "the mountain of God" or Horeb. The Lord tells Israel He is going to make them a special nation; this means establishing a covenant with the people. God will meet with Moses only. No man, woman, or animal may otherwise touch the mountain where God comes down.
God instructs the Israelites to prepare for His arrival on Mount Sinai in Horeb. They are to be clean and careful not to come onto the mountain itself. When God appears, He arrives amidst smoke, fire, lightning, earthquakes, and noise. Moses travels to the mountaintop and back, relaying messages about God's will. The first and most important of these are the fundamental principles of Old Testament law: the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–21).
