Exodus 19 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 19 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

After centuries of slavery (Exodus 1:8, 11–14; 12:40–41), the nation of Israel is free. They have followed God's lead out of Egypt, across the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–29) and to the base of Mount Sinai. Modern archaeologists have not determined this exact location. "Sinai" and "Horeb" are both names used for the same region. This is where God first called to Moses (Exodus 3:1–2) and where the Lord said His people would arrive (Exodus 3:12). Their presence is the result of God's loving intervention (Exodus 12:29–32; 15:22–25; 16:13–16). He has brought them here and shown them miracles to clearly verify His relationship with them (Exodus 19:1–4).

Mount Sinai is where God will establish His covenant with the nation of Israel. The Lord's covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was unconditional (Genesis 12:1–3; 15:13–21). God promised to do certain things, regardless of what Abraham's descendants might choose. But the covenant given at Sinai will require obedience. Following these laws will make Israel distinct from other nations (Leviticus 20:26; 1 Kings 8:53). Later messages will include explicit warnings that the covenant blessings require obedience; disobedience will bring disaster (Deuteronomy 30:15–18). Israel, as a nation, claims they will follow these instructions (Exodus 19:5–8).

Before the Lord gives this covenant to Moses, the people must prepare themselves. This includes consecration: a "setting apart" for some holy purpose. The people are to wash their clothes and abstain from sex for several days. During that time, they are not to touch Mount Sinai itself. Anyone, even animals, who climb onto the mountain are to be executed. This again highlights the intense separation of God's perfection from the imperfect created world. When the Lord sounds a loud trumpet sound, the people will assemble at the foot of Sinai (Exodus 19:9–15).

God's arrival on the mountain is spectacular. Fire, smoke, lightning, thunder, noise, and earthquakes announce His presence. This intimidating display serves a purpose. It demonstrates the Lord's absolute holiness: His distinction from everything else, especially in His goodness and power. The people are meant to feel a sense of reverent fear (Proverbs 1:7; Hebrews 12:18–21). Under the new covenant, God will more clearly demonstrate how salvation keeps that fear tempered by confidence (Hebrews 12:22–25), and not terror (Exodus 19:16–20).

The Lord offers another warning that the people may not come onto the mountain without being called. They may become curious or impatient. Neither will be an excuse. God has called Moses and will call Aaron to meet with Him. Later, a group of Israel's leaders will encounter the Lord on Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:9). As he should, Moses passes all these instructions on to the nation (Exodus 19:21–25).

These events set the stage for the most famous of God's revelations. The first details of the covenant with Israel will come in the form of ten basic rules: the crucial Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–21).

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.

Exodus 19:16–25 depicts the Lord God descending onto a mountain to give the Law to Israel. This involved dramatic amounts of smoke, fire, lightning, tremors, and noise. Under the Lord's instruction, Moses makes multiple trips up and down Mount Sinai to relay messages from God. Records of the Law will make up nearly the entire remaining book of Exodus.

Chapter Summary:

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).

Chapter Context:

Prior chapters in the book of Exodus described Israel's history after Jacob and his family settled there (Genesis 46:27; 47:10). God used Moses to deliver divine messages and as a conduit for miraculous power. Once Israel was freed (Exodus 12:40–41), the Lord continued to care for them (Exodus 15:22–25; 16:13–15; 17:6, 8–13). In this chapter, Israel prepares to receive God's Law at Mount Sinai. Almost the entire rest of the book (Exodus 20—40) are details about these commands.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

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