Israel prepares for the covenant with the Lord. This chapter begins a major new section within the book of Exodus, 19.1-24.18. God initiates a formal relationship or covenant agreement for Israel. This Covenant includes lists of obligations for Israel in the form of the Ten Commandments (20.1-17) and the laws in the Book of the Covenant (20.22-23.19). Israel will remain encamped in this area at Sinai until Num 10.11-12.
Read Exodus 19.1-25. In verse 1: The wilderness of Sinai in the Sinai Peninsula east of Egypt contains many mountains. The exact location of Mount Sinai is not known. The mountain is traditionally located in the south-central area of the Sinai Peninsula. In verse 4: the image of God leading Israel out of Egypt like an eagle is expanded in Deut 32.11. In verse 6: Israel as a priestly kingdom and a holy nation implies that God has set Israel aside apart from other nations. Israel has a higher standard of holiness and mission to mediate between God and other nations. In verses 12-13: The mountain is holy because of God's presence. Holiness and ritual impurity cannot mix. Unless a person is properly prepared, any human contact with the realm of God's holiness leads to death (vv. 21-24.). In verse 15: Sexual relations rendered a person ritually unclean for a day (1 Sam 21.4). In verse 16: Ancient Israel and its neighboring cultures often portray the appearance of the deity with an accompanying storm of thunder, lightening, and thick cloud (Ps 29; 68). In verses 21-24: On the danger of crossing the boundary of holiness, see comment on vv. 12-13. Comments or Questions...
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