MPV Commentary

1. In the third month, forty-five days after leaving Egypt, one day spent on the mountain, one returning to receive the people's answer, and three days of preparation, Israel arrived at the desert of Sinai.

The desert of Sinai is a vast, desolate region in the center of the peninsula, comprising the rugged range where Mount God stands. It is characterized by shaggy rocks of porphyry and red granite, with valleys mostly devoid of vegetation.

There, Israel encamped before the mountain, which was accessible through Wady Feiran, leading to the high valleys of Jebel Musa with its abundant springs. Many would be scattered among adjacent valleys, secluded from the world in a wild and sublime amphitheater of rocks.

2. Moses went up to God within the cloud (Exodus 33:20; John 1:18), where he received a message for the people.

The object of Moses' ascent was to convey to the Israelites the terms on which God would take them into a close and peculiar relationship with Himself. In this role, Moses served as an intermediary between God and His people, a position that no mortal man had ever occupied before (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 12:24).

The message contained in these verses was a general announcement of the terms on which God would establish a close relationship with Israel. They were to be a kingdom of priests, set apart from other people to sustain a near relation to God (Exodus 19:6). They would also be an holy nation, dedicated to preserving the knowledge and worship of God.

3-6. Moses conveyed this message to the elders of the people, who then instructed them in the conditions required for their acceptance. The elders' unanimous response was reported back to Moses, who presented it to the Lord.

7, 8. The Lord said to Moses, "I will come to you in a thick cloud," and instructed him to prepare the people for His descent by imposing strict regulations on them (Exodus 19:9-15).

These preparations were designed to create an atmosphere of intense solemnity and awe among the Israelites as they anticipated God's arrival. The extraordinary measures taken, including ablutions and rigid abstinence, served to heighten their expectation.

9-15. On the third day in the morning, there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud appeared on the mountain. A trumpet-like voice was heard, signaling the presence of God (Exodus 19:16).

The descent of God was accompanied by every object associated with grandeur and awe. As the mountain burned with fire, God was exhibited as a consuming fire to those who would transgress His law.

17. Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God at Wady-er-Raheh, where they stood before Es Suksafeh, considered by some to be the mount from which the law was given.

The plain at Wady-er-Raheh is spacious enough to accommodate all the Israelites, and its proximity to the mountain made it an ideal location for their gathering. However, it is not certain whether they stood on this plain or in the valley of Wady Sebaiyeh, which is also capable of holding the people.

21. The Lord instructed Moses to return to the people and warn them against breaking through to gaze at God's glory (Exodus 19:21). This order was given to heighten the impressive solemnity of the scene and to emphasize the importance of respecting God's presence.