Exodus 19

Israel Comes to Sinai

1In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out from the land of Egypt, on that very day they came to the wilderness of Sinai. 2They journeyed from Rephidim, came to the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. Israel camped there before the mountain.

A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation

3Moses 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: 4‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5Now therefore, if you truly listen to my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession from among all peoples, for all the earth is mine. 6You shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the children of Israel.”

The People Prepare to Meet God

7Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. 8All the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” And Moses brought the words of the people back to the LORD. 9The LORD said to Moses, “Look, I am coming to you in a thick cloud so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also trust you forever.” Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD. 10The LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. 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 upon Mount Sinai. 12You shall set boundaries for the people all around, saying, ‘Be careful not to go up the mountain or touch its edge. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13No hand shall touch that person, but the person shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether animal or human, it shall not live.’ When the ram’s horn gives a long blast, they may come up toward the mountain.” 14Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments. 15He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day. Do not approach a woman.”

The LORD Descends on Sinai

16On the third day, when morning came, there were thunder and lightning, a heavy cloud upon the mountain, and a very strong sound of a ram’s horn. All the people who were in the camp trembled. 17Moses brought the people out from the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18Mount Sinai was completely covered in smoke because the LORD had come down upon it in fire. Its smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. 19As the sound of the ram’s horn grew stronger and stronger, Moses spoke, and God answered him with a voice. 20The LORD came down upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. The LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

Do Not Break Through to the LORD

21The LORD said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to the LORD to see and many of them fall. 22Even the priests who come near to the LORD must consecrate themselves, lest the LORD break out against them.” 23Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, for you yourself warned us, saying, ‘Set boundaries around the mountain and consecrate it.’” 24The LORD said to him, “Go, get down, and come 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 out against them.” 25So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them.