Exodus 19:3-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 19:1-15

Covenant before law. "Now, therefore, if ye will obey," etc.— Exodus 19:5 , Exodus 19:6 . This subject might well be introduced by:— 1 . Showing how exactly the topography of Sinai (i.e; the plain of Er Rahah, Ras Sufsafeh, and Jebel Musa) agrees with the sacred history. [For material of description see "The Desert of the Exodus."] 2 . How suitable mountains were to constitute the scenery of Divine manifestation. 3 . An analysis of this section— In this preparation for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 19:3

Moses went up unto God . From the time of his call Moses had known that Israel was to serve God upon Sinai ( Exodus 3:12 ), and had regarded either one special peak, or the whole range as "the mount of God"—a place dedicated and set apart to Jehovah. It was natural, therefore, that, so soon as he reached the near vicinity of the mount, he should ascend it. The Lord called to him out of the Mount. God often accepts the will for the deed, and spares his saints a needless toil. Here, as... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 19:3-6

God's first message to the people at Sinai. The cloud going on before the people from Rephidim, brings them at last to what by pre-eminence is called the mount. The mount, not because it was higher, but because there the burning bush appeared, and there the people were to serve God. Moses goes up to the mount, probably to the very spot where a while ago he had seen the burning bush and received his great commission to Pharaoh. From this scene he had been travelling in a circle, and had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 19:3-9

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 19:3-10

The covenant proposed. A characteristic difference is to be observed between the covenant made at Sinai and that formerly established with Abraham. In both, there is a wonderful act of Divine condescension. In both, God as well as man comes under engagements, ratified by outward formalities. But there is a difference in the design. In Abraham's case, the covenant was obviously intended as an aid to faith, an expedient for strengthening confidence in the Divine word. It is God who, in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 19:4

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians. God prefaces his appeal to Israel with respect to the future, by reminding them of what he had done for them in the past. In the fewest possible words he recalls to their recollection the whole series of signs and wonders wrought in Egypt, from the turning of the water into blood to the destruction of Pharaoh's host in the Red Sea. These, he implies, ought to have taught them to trust him. I bare you on eagle's wings (compare Deuteronomy... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 19:5

Now therefore . Instead of asking the simple question—"Will ye promise to obey me and keep my covenant.—God graciously entices the Israelites to their own advantage by a most loving promise. If they will agree to obey his voice, and accept and keep his covenant, then they shall be to him a peculiar treasure ( segullah )—a precious possession to be esteemed highly and carefully guarded from all that might injure it. (Compare Psalms 135:4 ; and see also Isaiah 43:1-4 .) and this... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 19:5

My covenant. It may be proper at this stage to indicate briefly the nature of the constitution under which Israel was placed at Sinai, directing attention to some of the resemblances and contrasts between it and the new and better covenant which has since superseded it. The nature of the old covenant, though set in a very clear light in the writings of St. Paul, does not seem to be well understood. Sometimes it is too much assimilated to the New Testament covenant: sometimes it is viewed... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 19:5-6

God's promises to such as keep his covenant. Three things are here specially worthy of consideration:— 1 . The nature of the promises; 2 . The grounds on which they may be believed and trusted; and 3 . The conditions attached to them. I. THE NATURE OF THE PROMISES . God's promises to Israel are threefold—they shall be kings; they shall be priests; they shall be his peculiar treasure.— (a) Kings . Most men are slaves—servants of Satan, servants of sin,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 19:3

Moses went up unto God - This seems to imply that the voice was heard by Moses as he was ascending the mount.House of Jacob - This expression does not occur elsewhere in the Pentateuch. It has a special fitness here, referring doubtless to the special promises made to the Patriarch. read more

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