seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
Exodus 19:1 On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a] will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you[a] will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
a. Exodus 19:6 Or possession, for the whole earth is mine. 6 You
These verses bring a couple of images to mind.
Out here, I live in the Sonoran Desert surrounded by mountains that are about 5000 feet high. People climb our mountains all the time. People fall off all the time too. As I was reading the commentaries, Bible.org talked about Moses running up and down the mountain in long flowing robes and sandals. I can't imagine that because the rocks and cactus would do all they could do to fling me off the mountain if I attempted it. We have one mountain actually named Silly Mountain which I attempted a few months ago. Anyway, it brings these verses home for me.
The other image I have is my granddaughter. I guess she was about 4 years old when all of a sudden she started something new. When she wanted something she would come up, put her little arm around my neck, tell me what she wanted, and then follow it with "I'll be your best friend" in a little whimsical voice. It was heart melting.
So here's what easy English commentary says about the verses.
Many events happened to the Israelites in the desert. This desert was in the region that is called Sinai. We read about these events in the rest of Exodus, in Leviticus and in Numbers chapters 1 –10.
Already, God had chosen the Israelites to be his people (Exodus 2:24). Now he tells them directly. They must obey God in order that he can bless them. That was his agreement with them. Treasure is something that is precious. And when people obtain a treasure, they want to keep it. A king had his personal treasure. For example, King David had his treasure (1 Chronicles 29:3). The LORD is the King to whom the whole earth belongs. But he had chosen Israel out of all the nations to be his special treasure. They knew that God was their King. The Israelites must serve their King like priests. Priests had many functions as they served the LORD. They were teachers (Malachi 2:7). They acted as medical officers (Leviticus chapter 13). And they gave gifts to God on behalf of the people in order to bring them closer to God. The whole nation must be like priests in order to bring other nations closer to God.
Already, God had chosen the Israelites to be his people (Exodus 2:24). Now he tells them directly. They must obey God in order that he can bless them. That was his agreement with them. Treasure is something that is precious. And when people obtain a treasure, they want to keep it. A king had his personal treasure. For example, King David had his treasure (1 Chronicles 29:3). The LORD is the King to whom the whole earth belongs. But he had chosen Israel out of all the nations to be his special treasure. They knew that God was their King. The Israelites must serve their King like priests. Priests had many functions as they served the LORD. They were teachers (Malachi 2:7). They acted as medical officers (Leviticus chapter 13). And they gave gifts to God on behalf of the people in order to bring them closer to God. The whole nation must be like priests in order to bring other nations closer to God.
They had been wandering around for fifty days. Sometimes the trip to my grandparent's homes felt like we were on the road for fifty days. It was great to get out of the car for a few days when we got to North Carolina. When the Israelites settled in the Sanai for a little while, I know they were glad to be there.
Oh one more little tidbit.... If God hadn't changed Jacob's name to Israel, then I would be learning about the Jacobites instead of the Israelites.
Here's a little video about climbing Silly Mountain to give a perspective on what it was like for Moses to make the trek he would be on.
[video=youtube;V5Y1eWYRxqs]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Y1eWYRxqs[/video]
Merry Christmas everyone!
