Exodus 19
SIBExodus 19:3
Moses went up to the presence of God, where the cloud rested on Sinai, nine or ten different times; ver. 7, 8, 10, 14, 20, 21, 25. ch. xx. xxi. and xxiv. 3, 12, 13, 15, 18. and xxxii. 7, 15, 30. and xxxiii. 6, 7, 21. and xxxiv. 2, 29, 34
Exodus 19:4
This speech was to prepare them to receive God’s covenant, now to be proposed unto them. A like one is used at the renovation of the covenant; Deut. xxix. 2.—To be borne on eagles’ wings is to be borne above all difficulties, and in spite of all opposition
Exodus 19:6
They were priests, separated to God’s worship and service, and warranted to come near unto his presence. They were an holy nation by profession, covenant, and separation to God’s service
Exodus 19:8
This they promised too rashly, not considering the extent, spirituality, and strictness of the holy law, or their own weakness; and hence, when the law was published, they fled away for terror. Ver. 8, 9. Moses, being a typical mediator between God and the people, reported the words of the one to the other. Ver. 10, 12. They were to prepare themselves by inwardly laying aside carnal affections and worldly cares, and by keeping their hearts in an holy frame; and outwardly by washing their clothes. The design of this was to render them sensible of their vileness and weakness, and their need of a mediator; Gal. iii
Exodus 19:19
Ver. 13. By the munistration of angels a trumpet, in the manner of thunder, was sounded in the air; and, whenever it gave a long-continued sound, the Hebrews were to approach as near to the mount as they durst, in order to hear the law proclaimed. Ver. 15. All carnal cares and affections were to be laid aside, that their minds might be wholly intent on hearing the law. Ver. 16. The thunders, lightnings, fire, and smoke, were intended to awaken their attention in hearing the law, to promote their careful observance of it, and to manifest how dangerous it was to be under it as a covenant.—The thick cloud signified the invisible, awful, and incomprehensible, nature of God, and the obscurity of the legal dispensation of the covenant of grace. Ver. 18. God’s descent meant his manifesting the signs of his glorious presence. Ver. 19. God answered Moses by a voice distinct, plain, and audible, which all the people might hear. Ver. 21, 23. Vain curiosity is forbidden, that we may learn to live by faith, and not by sight, and to be humble. Their dulness and hardness of heart made repeated warnings necessary; and they were commanded to hold the very mountain sacred, because of God’s presence. This might also signify that the law rather excludes men from God, on account of their sins, than justifies or gives them life
Exodus 19:22
Some think these priests were the first-born; but there is no evidence that birthright invested with any such office: they were persons, probably the most excellent, chosen by Moses for offering sacrifices, till God should assign that work to Aaron and his sons
REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIX.—Infinitely gracious and undeserved are the favours of God to men. But peculiarly kind his care of his people, and great the honour he bestows upon them. His condescension is most astonishing in admitting them into covenant with himself; his requirements most reasonable; and surely his distinguishing kindness ought to promote our cheerful obedience. But how apt are men to be hasty in promising obedience, and backward in performing it! Serious preparation for solemn intercourse with God is necessary and becoming; and a careful respect to every disposition and deportment of body, soul, and spirit. Never, O my soul, presumptuously intrude into those secrets over which God hath cast a veil! Never hazard thy life, by pushing over the bounds which he hath set for thy good. Let me have nothing to do with his fiery law, but as it is fulfilled by Christ as a covenant, and issued forth by him as a rule. Let me always approach unto his presence with reverence and godly fear: and never let vain curiosity, but humble faith and holy love, attend me in all my concerns with him