Where Are We? — Exodus 19

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Time & Place

  • Time: 1491 BC (Exod 19:1–2)
  • Location: Wilderness of Sinai, Mount Sinai / Horeb (Exod 19:1–3)

Where Are We in the Text?

  • Israel arrives at the wilderness of Sinai and encamps before the mountain (Exod 19:1–2).
  • The LORD calls Moses up the mountain and declares His purpose for Israel as a treasured possession, kingdom of priests, and holy nation (Exod 19:3–6).
  • Moses conveys the LORD’s words to the people, and Israel agrees to obey (Exod 19:7–8).
  • The LORD prepares the nation for His descent upon Mount Sinai with boundaries, consecration, and warnings (Exod 19:9–15).
  • The LORD descends upon Mount Sinai with fire, smoke, earthquake, trumpet, and voice (Exod 19:16–20).
  • Boundaries are reinforced to prevent unauthorized approach to the mountain (Exod 19:21–25).

Key Persons

  • Moses — Mediator between the LORD and Israel (Exod 19:3, 7–8, 14, 20–25).
  • Aaron — Accompanies Moses as summoned by the LORD (Exod 19:24).
  • The LORD — Reveals His presence and covenant intent at Sinai (Exod 19:3–6, 9–11, 18–20).

Where Are We in Time?

  • The chapter occurs in the third month after Israel’s departure from Egypt (Exod 19:1).
  • Israel has arrived at Sinai but has not yet received the Mosaic Law (Exod 20:1–17).
  • The events mark the transition from journey to covenant revelation.

Where Are We on the Map?

  • Mount Sinai (Horeb): Mountain where the LORD reveals Himself to Israel and prepares to give the Law (Exod 3:1, 12; 19:1–3).
  • Wilderness of Sinai: Extended encampment location during covenant revelation (Exod 19:1–2).

Where Are We in God’s Program? (Dispensational)

  • Israel is a redeemed nation being formally constituted as a covenant people under the Mosaic Law (Exod 19:3–6; 24:7–8).
  • God prepares the nation for direct covenant revelation mediated through Moses (Exod 19:9).
  • The Mosaic Covenant is imminent but not yet enacted.

Why This Matters

  • The chapter records God’s formal approach to Israel to establish covenant relationship (Exod 19).
  • It sets the conditions and context for the giving of the Law.

How This Chapter Relates to What Follows

  • The LORD will give the Ten Commandments and covenant statutes (Exod 20–24).
  • Israel will formally enter into covenant with the LORD (Exod 24:3–8).

Summary Orientation

  • Israel arrives and encamps at Mount Sinai (Exod 19:1–2).
  • The LORD declares His covenant purpose for Israel (Exod 19:3–6).
  • God descends upon the mountain in manifest glory, preparing to give the Law (Exod 19:16–25).
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