Time & Place
- Time: 1491 BC
- Location: Mount Sinai (Horeb), Wilderness of Sinai
- Setting: Israel encamped at Sinai during covenant instruction (Exod 19–25)
Where Are We in the Text?
- The LORD completes civil and moral statutes governing national life (Exod 23:1–9).
- Promises and warnings concerning conquest and divine guidance are declared (Exod 23:20–33).
- The Mosaic Covenant is formally ratified by blood and national assent (Exod 24:3–11).
- Moses ascends the mount to receive further revelation (Exod 24:12–18).
- Detailed instructions for the tabernacle and God’s dwelling place are given (Exod 25).
Where Are We in Time?
- These chapters occur after Israel’s arrival at Sinai, approximately three months after the Exodus (Exod 19:1).
- The covenant is ratified before construction of the tabernacle begins (Exod 24:9–11; 25:1–9).
- Moses remains on the mount for an extended period to receive divine instruction (Exod 24:18).
Where Are We on the Map?
- Mount Sinai (Horeb): Location of covenant ratification and revelation (Exod 24:9–18).
- Israel remains encamped at the base of the mountain throughout this period (Exod 19:2).
Where Are We in God’s Program? (Dispensational)
- The Mosaic Covenant is formally confirmed and placed into operation (Exod 24:7–8).
- Israel is established as a covenant nation under conditional law (Exod 19:5–6; 24:3).
- God declares His intention to dwell among Israel through the tabernacle (Exod 25:8).
Why This Matters
- God defines the terms of national obedience and blessing (Exod 23:22–25).
- Access to God is regulated through covenant and sacrifice (Exod 24:4–8).
- The tabernacle reveals God’s desire to dwell among a redeemed people (Exod 25:8–9).
How This Reading Relates to What Follows
- Detailed tabernacle instructions will continue (Exod 26–31).
- Israel’s obedience will be tested during Moses’ absence (Exod 32).
Summary Orientation
- Covenant law is completed and ratified.
- Moses enters an extended period of revelation on the mount.
- God announces His intent to dwell among Israel.