"Be prepared for the third day," he said to the people. "Do not draw near to a woman." “Be prepared for the third day,”The instruction to be prepared for the third day is significant in biblical numerology, where the number three often symbolizes completeness or divine perfection. This preparation period emphasizes the importance of the upcoming event, which is the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. The third day is a recurring theme in Scripture, often associated with resurrection and revelation, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day (Matthew 16:21). The Israelites are called to sanctify themselves, highlighting the holiness required to encounter God. Jos 3:5 Then Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves,… he said to the people. Moses, as the mediator between God and the Israelites, conveys God's instructions to the people. This reflects the role of prophets and leaders in the Old Testament, who often served as intermediaries. The communal aspect of this command underscores the collective responsibility of the Israelites to adhere to God's covenant. It also foreshadows the New Testament concept of the Church as a community of believers. Deu 5:1 Then Moses summoned all Israel and said to them:… “Do not draw near to a woman.” This command is part of the broader call to ritual purity, which was necessary for the Israelites to approach God. Abstaining from sexual relations was a common practice in ancient cultures to prepare for religious ceremonies, symbolizing a focus on spiritual rather than physical concerns. This reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness and separation from worldly distractions when approaching God. In the New Testament, this concept is expanded to include spiritual purity and readiness for Christ's return (1 Thessalonians 5:23). 1Sa 21:4-5 “There is no common bread on hand,” the priest replied,… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to mediate the covenant at Mount Sinai. 2. Mount Sinai The mountain where God gave the Law to Moses and the Israelites, a place of divine revelation and covenant. 3. The Israelites The chosen people of God, who were being prepared to receive the Law and enter into a covenant relationship with Him. 4. God The sovereign Lord who is establishing His covenant with Israel, emphasizing His holiness and the need for His people to be consecrated. 5. The Third Day A specific time set by God for the Israelites to be ready to meet Him, symbolizing preparation and anticipation of divine encounter. Teaching Points Holiness and PreparationGod’s holiness requires His people to be prepared and consecrated. This preparation involves setting aside normal activities to focus on spiritual readiness. The Importance of Purity The command to abstain from sexual relations highlights the broader biblical principle of purity when approaching God. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual cleanliness in our lives. Anticipation of Divine Encounter The instruction to be ready for the third day teaches us about the importance of anticipation and readiness for encountering God in our lives. Setting Priorities Just as the Israelites were to prioritize their preparation for meeting God, we are called to prioritize our spiritual lives and relationship with God above all else. Reverence and Awe Approaching God with reverence and awe is a consistent biblical theme. This passage reminds us of the seriousness and respect required in our relationship with God. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the command to abstain from sexual relations teach us about the nature of preparation for encountering God?2. How can we apply the principle of consecration in our daily lives to maintain spiritual readiness? 3. In what ways does the anticipation of the "third day" reflect our own anticipation of meeting God in worship or prayer? 4. How do the themes of holiness and purity in Exodus 19:15 connect with New Testament teachings on living a holy life? 5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that we approach God with the reverence and awe that He deserves? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 15Discusses laws of purity, including sexual relations, which relate to the need for the Israelites to be ceremonially clean before approaching God. 1 Corinthians 7 Paul speaks about marital relations and times of abstinence for prayer, reflecting the principle of setting aside normal activities to focus on spiritual preparation. Hebrews 12 Describes the holiness of God and the reverence required when approaching Him, echoing the preparation needed at Sinai. Matthew 5 Jesus speaks about purity of heart, which aligns with the call for the Israelites to be consecrated before God. 1 Peter 1 Calls believers to be holy as God is holy, a theme that resonates with the preparation and consecration of the Israelites.
People Aaron, Egyptians, Israelites, Jacob, MosesPlaces Egypt, Mount Sinai, Rephidim, SinaiTopics Abstain, Nigh, Prepared, Ready, Relations, Sexual, Third, Wives, YourselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 19:15 5736 singleness 5773 abstinence, discipline Library Seventh Day. Holiness and Obedience. Ye have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: ye shall be unto me an holy nation.'--Ex. xix. 4-6. Israel has reached Horeb. The law is to be given and the covenant made. Here are God's first words to the people; He speaks of redemption and its blessing, fellowship with Himself: 'Ye have seen how I brought … Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ The First Covenant The Eagle and Its Brood The Shaking of the Heavens and the Earth The Johannine Writings 'The Love of Thine Espousals' "They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. " Civ. Jesus Arrives and is Feasted at Bethany. The Formation of the Old Testament Canon Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology. The King --Continued. The Sermon on the Mount - the Kingdom of Christ and Rabbinic Teaching. The Personality of Power. Question of the Comparison Between the Active and the Contemplative Life The Preface to the Commandments Of the Trinity and a Christian, and of the Law and a Christian. Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above. Of the Public Fast. Mount Zion. The Second Coming of Christ. John's Introduction. John the Baptist Links Exodus 19:15 NIVExodus 19:15 NLT Exodus 19:15 ESV Exodus 19:15 NASB Exodus 19:15 KJV Exodus 19:15 Commentaries Bible Hub |
    |