Exodus 19

Chapter Summary

Exodus 19 begins with the Israelites arriving at Mount Sinai, where they will receive the covenant from God. Moses is instructed to consecrate the people and to have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day. On the third day, God descends upon Mount Sinai in a dramatic display of power and glory. The people are warned not to approach the mountain, and Moses is called up to receive the covenant. The chapter ends with Moses going up the mountain, where he will receive the Ten Commandments and other instructions from God. Key verses include Exodus 19:5, where God promises to make the Israelites His treasured possession, and Exodus 19:9, where God says He will come to Moses in a thick cloud so that the people may hear Him speaking.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus 19 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which tells the story of God's relationship with His people and the ultimate fulfillment of that relationship in Christ. The giving of the covenant on Mount Sinai is a pivotal moment in this narrative, as it establishes the terms of God's relationship with the Israelites and sets the stage for the rest of the biblical story.

Heart Application

The chapter calls believers to prepare themselves for God's presence in their lives. This preparation involves consecrating themselves to God and being obedient to His voice. Believers must also reverence and worship God, recognizing His majesty and authority. As they do so, they will experience God's presence and power in their lives, and they will be reminded of His love and favor towards them.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus 19 is about the Israelites preparing to receive the covenant from God. They had to wash their clothes and be ready by the third day. On the third day, God came down from heaven in a cloud and spoke to Moses. God promised to make the Israelites His special people if they obeyed Him. This chapter is important because it shows how God wants to be close to His people and have a special relationship with them, as seen in Exodus 19:5.

Voices from the Church

“The law was given by God Himself, and it is a transcript of His own moral character. It is a declaration of what God is, and of what He requires from His creatures.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The covenant which God made with the Israelites was a type of the covenant which He made with believers through Christ. In both cases, God promises to be the God of His people, and they promise to obey Him.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Journey to Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-2) — The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai, where they will receive the covenant from God. This marks the beginning of a new phase in their journey, as they transition from being slaves in Egypt to being God's special people.
2. The Consecration of the People (Exodus 19:3-11) — Moses is instructed to consecrate the people and to have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day. This consecration is a reminder that believers must also prepare themselves for God's presence in their lives.
3. The Descent of God (Exodus 19:12-19) — God descends upon Mount Sinai in a dramatic display of power and glory. This display is a reminder of God's majesty and authority, and it is a call to believers to reverence and worship Him.
4. The Call of Moses (Exodus 19:20-25) — Moses is called up the mountain to receive the covenant from God. This call is a type of the call of believers to come to God through Christ.
5. The Giving of the Covenant (Exodus 19:3-6) — The covenant is given to the Israelites, and they promise to obey God's voice. This covenant is a reminder of God's love and favor towards His people, and it sets the stage for the rest of the biblical story.

Core Doctrines

The Covenant

The chapter teaches that the covenant is an agreement between God and His people, where God promises to be their God and they promise to obey Him. This covenant is a reminder of God's love and favor towards His people, and it sets the stage for the rest of the biblical story.

The Mediatorial Role of Christ

The chapter foreshadows the mediatorial role of Christ, who acts as a go-between for God and believers. Just as Moses played a mediatorial role in the giving of the covenant, Christ plays a mediatorial role in the giving of the new covenant.

The Importance of Preparation

The chapter emphasizes the importance of preparation for God's presence in the life of the believer. This preparation involves consecrating oneself to God and being obedient to His voice.

The Power and Glory of God

The chapter describes the dramatic display of God's power and glory as He descends upon Mount Sinai. This display is a reminder of God's majesty and authority, and it is a call to believers to reverence and worship Him.

Lessons from Exodus 19

1. The Importance of Preparation — The chapter teaches that preparation is essential for experiencing God's presence and power in one's life. Believers must consecrate themselves to God and be obedient to His voice.
2. The Power and Glory of God — The chapter describes the dramatic display of God's power and glory as He descends upon Mount Sinai. This display is a reminder of God's majesty and authority, and it is a call to believers to reverence and worship Him.
3. The Mediatorial Role of Christ — The chapter foreshadows the mediatorial role of Christ, who acts as a go-between for God and believers. Just as Moses played a mediatorial role in the giving of the covenant, Christ plays a mediatorial role in the giving of the new covenant.
4. The Importance of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's voice, and the consequences of disobedience. Believers must be obedient to God's voice and follow His commands.
5. The Covenant — The chapter teaches that the covenant is an agreement between God and His people, where God promises to be their God and they promise to obey Him. This covenant is a reminder of God's love and favor towards His people, and it sets the stage for the rest of the biblical story.

Themes from Exodus 19

1. The Covenant Theme — The chapter introduces the theme of the covenant, which is a central theme in the biblical story. The covenant is an agreement between God and His people, where God promises to be their God and they promise to obey Him.
2. The Theme of Preparation — The chapter emphasizes the importance of preparation for God's presence in the life of the believer. This preparation involves consecrating oneself to God and being obedient to His voice.
3. The Theme of God's Power and Glory — The chapter describes the dramatic display of God's power and glory as He descends upon Mount Sinai. This display is a reminder of God's majesty and authority, and it is a call to believers to reverence and worship Him.
4. The Theme of Obedience — The chapter emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's voice, and the consequences of disobedience. Believers must be obedient to God's voice and follow His commands.
5. The Theme of Christ as Mediator — The chapter foreshadows the mediatorial role of Christ, who acts as a go-between for God and believers. Just as Moses played a mediatorial role in the giving of the covenant, Christ plays a mediatorial role in the giving of the new covenant.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does it mean to consecrate oneself to God, and how can believers do this in their lives?
2. How does the giving of the covenant on Mount Sinai foreshadow the giving of the new covenant through Christ?
3. What is the significance of the thick cloud in the chapter, and how does it relate to God's presence and glory?
4. How does the chapter emphasize the importance of obedience to God's voice, and what are the consequences of disobedience?
5. How does the chapter call believers to reverence and worship God, and what are some ways that believers can do this in their lives?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Exodus 19

	Sermon	Description
	Testimony - Part 1 by Gladys Aylward	In this sermon transcript, the speaker shares their experience of being the only missionary in a heathen government and their journey of spreading the Gospel in South Shansey. Desp
	The Awful Presence of God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to turn their attention towards God and His message. He uses the story of Moses and the burning bush as an example
	God's New Thing by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of moral rearmament and its impact on individuals living a materialistic and selfish life. The preacher explains that moral rearm
	Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength
	A Missional Encounter by Jackie Pullinger	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Moses and the encounter with God on Mount Sinai. The people were afraid of approaching God because of His power and might. Howeve
	How to Suffer Successfully by Warren Wiersbe	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not relying on feelings or circumstances, but instead turning to the word of God. He highlights the example of the apostle
	The Holiness of God - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the b
	(Worship - Part 3): Worship the Lord in Glory and Meekness by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the fallen state of humanity and the loss of the vision of God's glory. He highlights that despite our fallen nature, God desired us because
	Cost of Discipleship - Part 9 by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the downfall of the people at Frining Eye, who had initially experienced God's holiness and protection. However, within just three generations
	Holiness and Obedience by B.H. Clendennen	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a faithful steward of what God has given us. He highlights the need to function in our purpose and to walk in total

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 19

In this chapter, we see the majesty and glory of God as He descends upon Mount Sinai to give the covenant to the Israelites. The chapter emphasizes the importance of preparation for God's presence, as the Israelites are instructed to consecrate themselves and to be ready by the third day. The giving of the covenant is a reminder of God's love and favor towards His people, and it sets the stage for the rest of the biblical story. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the covenant was a great and solemn transaction, in which God and the people of Israel did mutually engage themselves to each other.' The chapter also foreshadows the coming of Christ, who would be the mediator of a new covenant. As Henry notes, 'the covenant which God made with the Israelites was a type of the covenant which He made with believers through Christ.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?