Exodus 19:1-13 ▼

1 On the third New Moon after the Israelis went out of the land of Egypt, on that very day, they came to the desert of Sinai.

2 They had set out from Rephidim and arrived at the desert of Sinai where they camped in the desert. Israel camped there in front of the mountain.

3 Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain: |This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and declare to the sons of Israel,

4 You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.

5 And now if you carefully obey me and keep my covenant, you are to be my special possession out of all the peoples, because the whole earth belongs to me,

6 but you are to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation to me.' These are the words you are to declare to the Israelis.|

7 When Moses came, he summoned the elders of the people and told them everything that the LORD had commanded him.

8 All the people answered together: |We'll do everything that the LORD has said!| Then Moses reported all the words of the people back to the LORD.

9 The LORD told Moses, |Look, I'm coming to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may listen when I speak with you and always believe you.| Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD.

10 The LORD told Moses, |Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes,

11 and be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

12 You are to set boundaries for the people all around: 'Be very careful that you don't go up on the mountain or touch the side of it. Anyone who touches the mountain is certainly to be put to death.

13 No hand is to touch that person, but he is certainly to be stoned or shot; whether animal or person, he is not to live.' They are to approach the mountain only when the ram's horn sounds a long blast.|