Thematic Bible




Exodus 19:1 (show verse)

The Israelites arrived at the desert of Sinai in the third month after they left the land of Egypt.

Exodus 19:2 (show verse)

They traveled from Rephidim to the desert of Sinai. Israel camped in the wilderness at the foot of Mount Sinai.

Exodus 19:3 (show verse)

Jehovah called Moses from the mountain. So Moses went up the mountain to God. Jehovah told him: This is what you must say to the descendants of Jacob. Tell the Israelites:

Exodus 19:4 (show verse)

You have seen what I did to Egypt and how I carried you on the wings of eagles and brought you to me.

Exodus 19:5 (show verse)

If you will obey me and are faithful to the terms of my covenant, then out of all the nations you will be my own special possession, for all the earth is mine.

Exodus 19:6 (show verse)

You will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation. These are the words you must speak to the children of Israel.'

Exodus 19:7 (show verse)

Moses went down the mountain and called for the elders of the people. He repeated to them all the words that Jehovah had commanded him.

Exodus 19:8 (show verse)

All the people answered together: We will do everything Jehovah has said. So Moses brought their answer back to Jehovah.

Exodus 19:9 (show verse)

Jehovah said to Moses: I will come to you in a thick cloud. The people will hear me speaking with you and will believe you from now on. Moses gave Jehovah the people's answer.

Exodus 19:10 (show verse)

Jehovah continued: Go to the people and tell them to spend today and tomorrow purifying themselves for worship. They must wash their clothes.

Exodus 19:11 (show verse)

They should be ready in three days. I will descend to Mount Sinai, where all of them can see me.

Exodus 19:12 (show verse)

Warn the people that they are forbidden to touch any part of the mountain. Anyone who touches the mountain will be put to death,

Exodus 19:13 (show verse)

with stones or arrows, and no one must touch the body of a person killed in this way. Even an animal that touches this mountain must be put to death. You may go up the mountain only after a signal is given on the trumpet.

Exodus 19:14 (show verse)

Moses went down from the mountain to the people. He consecrated the people, and they washed their garments.

Exodus 19:15 (show verse)

He said to the people: Get ready for the third day. Do not go near a woman for sexual intercourse.

Exodus 19:16 (show verse)

On the morning of the third day there were thunder and lightning flashes and a thick cloud upon the mountain. A very loud trumpet sounded. It caused all the people in the camp to tremble.

Exodus 19:17 (show verse)

Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They stood at the foot of the mountain.

Exodus 19:18 (show verse)

Mount Sinai was all in smoke because Jehovah descended upon it in fire. Its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace. The whole mountain quaked violently!

Exodus 19:19 (show verse)

The sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. Moses spoke and God answered him with thunder.

Exodus 19:20 (show verse)

Jehovah descended on the top of Mount Sinai. Jehovah called Moses to the top of the mountain. Moses climbed to the peak of Mount Sinai.

Exodus 19:21 (show verse)

Jehovah spoke to Moses: Go down and warn the people. They should not break through to gaze at Jehovah. Many of them would perish.

Exodus 19:22 (show verse)

Let the priests who come near to Jehovah consecrate (purify) themselves, or else Jehovah will destroy them.

Exodus 19:23 (show verse)

Moses said to Jehovah: The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai for you warned us. You said: 'Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.'

Exodus 19:24 (show verse)

Jehovah replied to him: You and Aaron come up to me. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to Jehovah, or he will destroy some of them.

Exodus 19:25 (show verse)

Moses returned to the people and told them.