This chapter is a definitive chapter of the Bible. In this chapter, God shares His heart with Moses. God loves Israel. He brought them out of Egypt, and now, at Mount Sinai, the Lord makes clear that they are nation He selected out of all the nations of the world. Adonai has a plan for Israel to be a nation of priests loved and protected by Him.
When God told Moses the plan, He made it clear that while as a father God may love them unconditionally, He required Israel to honor Him and obey His commands. In return, Israel would be treasured and protected as a priceless treasure. In addition, they would be God’s ambassadors to a lost world.
God gave Moses specific instructions for preparing Israel to enter this covenant and begin the journey toward their inheritance. God expected reverence from Israel. He wanted them to prepare their bodies and their hearts. They would be a part of the conversation with Moses and Adonai would leave no doubt about His commitment to Israel and His trust in Moses as their leader.
God simply does not hide His intentions. In our lives, the Lord provided the Bible as a love letter and guide. He also provides His spirit to comfort, guide, and teach us God’s ways and plans. He also has installed the church community so that His children would not have to “go it alone”.
As with Israel, however, God expects our allegiance and our reverence as we seek and follow Him. We do not come to God on our terms. We come with a heart prepared for Adonai to lead. He will not force Himself upon us. Adonai wants us to submit to His plan with a humble and grateful heart. That is what a Father expects, and that is what we should long to deliver.
God Bless You
On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 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: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a] will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer 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 will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said.
10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death. 13 They are to be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on them. No person or animal shall be permitted to live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain.”
14 After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. 15 Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations.”
Walking With God 