EXODUS 19

GOD’S PRESENCE DESCENDS UPON MOUNT SINAI 

After three months in the wilderness, the Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai. 

Moses goes up the mountain to meet God. God reminds Moses that the Israelites are His treasured, chosen people and that they will become a kingdom of priests.  

Moses tells the Israelites what God says, and they agree to do all that the Lord has spoken. After Moses goes up the mountain to speak with God again, God tells him that He will appear in a thick cloud so that all of the Israelites will hear what He has to say. He tells Moses that the Israelites should consecrate themselves, meaning they should be clean before God. 

God descends upon the mountain in fire, thunder, and smoke while loud trumpets blast. 
God tells Moses that he can bring Aaron up on the mountain, but that no one else should get that close to the presence of God. God also warns Moses that no one is to touch the mountain or they will die. Once it is safe to touch again, a trumpet will sound.