ISRAEL AT SINAI

19 In the third month from the very day the Israelites left the land of Egypt, they came to the Sinai Wilderness. 2 They traveled from Rephidim, came to the Sinai Wilderness, and camped in the wilderness. Israel camped there in front of the mountain.h

3 Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord calledi to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob and explain to the Israelites: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.j 5 Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant,k you will be my own possessionl out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine, 6 and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation.’m These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.”

7 After Moses came back, he summoned the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him. 8 Then all the people responded together, “We will do all that the Lord has spoken.”n So Moses brought the people’s words back to the Lord.

9 The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud,o so that the people will hear when I speakp with you and will always believe you.” Moses reported the people’s words to the Lord, 10 and the Lord told Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothesq 11 and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.r