Exodus 19
1 In the third month after the Israelites had left the land of Egypt, on that very day, they came to the wilderness of Sinai.
2 They set out from Rephidim, came to the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness. Israel camped there in front of the mountain.
3 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 Israelites:
4 ‘You have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to me.
5 Now, if you truly listen to my voice and keep my covenant, you will be my treasured possession among all the peoples, for the whole earth is mine.
6 You will be a kingdom of priests for me and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
7 Moses went and summoned the elders of the people, and laid before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him.
8 All the people answered together, “We will do everything the LORD has spoken.” Moses then brought the people’s words back to the LORD.
9 The LORD said to Moses, “I am coming to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and also believe you always.” Moses reported the people’s words to the LORD.
10 The LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Let them wash their clothes.
11 Let them be ready for the third day, because on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
12 Set boundaries around the people and say, ‘Be careful not to go up the mountain or touch its edge. Anyone who touches the mountain must surely be put to death.
13 No hand is to touch that person; instead, they must be stoned or shot with arrows. Whether animal or person, they must not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they may go up the mountain.”
14 Moses came down from the mountain to the people, consecrated them, and they washed their clothes.
15 He said to the people, “Be ready for three days from now. Do not go near a woman.”
16 On the third day, at daybreak, there was thunder and lightning, a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. All the people in the camp trembled.
17 Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.
18 Mount Sinai was completely covered in smoke, because the LORD had come down on it in fire. Its smoke rose like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently.
19 The trumpet sound grew louder and louder. Moses spoke, and God answered him with a voice.
20 The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. The LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
21 The LORD said to Moses, “Go down and warn the people, so they do not break through to the LORD to look, and many of them fall.
22 The priests too, who approach the LORD, must consecrate themselves, or the LORD may break out against them.”
23 Moses said to the LORD, “The people cannot go up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us: ‘Set boundaries around the mountain and consecrate it.’”
24 The LORD said to him, “Go, come down; then come up, you and Aaron with you. But the priests and the people must not break through to go up to the LORD, or he may break out against them.”
25 Moses went down to the people and spoke to them.
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