Exodus 19:1–11

Israel at Sinai

19In the third month, on the same day of the month that the Israelites had left the land of Egypt, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai. ²After they departed from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai and camped in the wilderness, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain. ^e

³Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord called ^fto 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 Me. ^g5Now if you will listen to Me and carefully keep My covenant, ^hyou will be My own possession ⁱout of all the peoples, although all the earth is Mine, ⁶and you will be My kingdom of priests and My holy nation.’ ^jThese are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.”

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

⁹The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, ^lso that the people will hear when I speak ^mwith you and will always believe you.” Then Moses reported the people’s words to the Lord. ¹⁰And the Lord told Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes ⁿ¹¹and 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. ^o