The Exodus and the wilderness · Exodus 19–20
The Covenant at Sinai
In the third month after leaving Egypt, Israel camps at the foot of Mount Sinai. There God offers his covenant: “I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself . . . if ye will obey my voice indeed . . . ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” The people answer, “All that the LORD hath spoken we will do.” On the third day, thunder and lightning break out; a thick cloud covers the mountain, the trumpet sounds, and Sinai smokes and quakes, because the LORD has descended on it in fire. Then God speaks the Ten Commandments: no other gods, no idols, do not take his name in vain, keep the Sabbath day holy, honor your father and mother, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not bear false witness, do not covet. Terrified, the people stand far off and beg Moses to speak to them in God’s place.
What happens
- Israel arrives in the wilderness of Sinai in the third month Exodus 19:1–2
- “A kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” Exodus 19:4–6
- Thunder, a cloud, and a trumpet: the LORD descends on Sinai Exodus 19:16–18
- “I am the LORD thy God . . . Thou shalt have no other gods before me” Exodus 20:2–3
- The commandments toward one’s neighbor Exodus 20:12–15
- The people tremble: “Speak thou with us” Exodus 20:18–19
Who is in this story
The lesson
God saves first, then gives his law: the commandments are the response of a freed people to their Liberator (20:2). Jesus sums them up in two: love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself (Matt 22:37-39).
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Quick quiz on this story
Complete the first commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods . . .”
After “I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt,” comes the first commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:2–3
How do the people respond when Moses relays the covenant proposal to them?
“All the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do.” And Moses returned the words of the people to the LORD. Exodus 19:8
What does God say he carried Israel on to bring them to himself?
“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.” Exodus 19:4
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