Exodus 19

Children of Israel Arrive at Mount Sinai

(1) In the third month, after the children of Israel had gone forth out of the land of Egypt, on the same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.

(2) They departed from Rephidim, and went to the desert of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mountain.

God’s Promise To Israel

(3) Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to 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.

(5) Now therefore, if YOU will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then YOU shall be a special treasure to me above all people; for all the earth is mine.

(6) And 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."

(7) Then Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words which the LORD commanded him.

The People Answer

(8) All the people answered together, and said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." And Moses returned the words of the people to the LORD.

(9) The LORD said to Moses, "Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever." Then Moses told the LORD the words of the people.

(10) The LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes,

(11) and 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.

The Mountain Must Not Be Touched

(12) You shall set bounds for the people all round, saying, 'Take heed to yourselves, that YOU do not go up onto the mountain, or touch the border of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.

(13) No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it is beast or man, he shall not live,' when the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain."

(14) Then Moses went down from the mountain to the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.

(15) And he said to the people, "Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives."

The LORD Came Down On Mount Sinai

(16) It came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the voice of the trumpet exceedingly loud; so that all the people that were in the camp trembled.

(17) Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the lower part of the mountain.

(18) Mount Sinai was altogether in smoke, because the LORD descended on it in fire; and the smoke of it ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

(19) When the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice.

(20) The LORD came down to Mount Sinai, on the top of the mountain; and the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

(21) And the LORD said to Moses, "Go down, warn the people, lest they break through and gaze upon the LORD, and many of them perish.

(22) Also let the priests, who come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth on them."

(23) Then Moses said to the LORD, "The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for you warned us, saying, 'Set bounds about the mountain, and sanctify it.' "

(24) And the LORD said to him, "Away, you go down, and come back up, you, and Aaron with you; but do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the LORD, lest he break forth on them."

(25) So Moses went down to the people, and spoke to them.

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