February 16 Daily Devotional

Exodus 19–24

In the third month after the children of Israel left Egypt, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. It was familiar to Moses. Here he had been with his flocks. Here he had seen the burning bush and the Lord had told him to lead Israel out of Egypt. Here tall granite mountains proclaimed the greatness of the Creator. While the people were busy with their tents, Moses went up to the top of Mount Sinai to hear the voice of God and to get his message for Israel.

And the Lord spoke to Moses, “Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob … Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure to me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” Moses came and called for the elders of the people, setting before them all the words the Lord commanded him. and all the people answered together, “All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.”

According to the command of the Lord, the people should prepare to be ready the third day. They should wash their garments and do other work that was necessary. Nobody was allowed to touch the mountain. Something special should happen. And it did happen. On the third day Moses brought the people out of the camp and placed them so they could see and hear what happened on the mountain. By and by smoke arose and a thick cloud formed, as if a big fire was burning. The whole mountain shook. Thunders rolled down the mountainsides and sharp lightning broke through the thick clouds. The sound of a trumpet was heard; it became louder and louder. Moses spoke and God answered him by a voice, giving the ten commandments.

And all the people saw the lightning and the mountain smoking. They heard the thunder and the voice of the trumpet. Great fear filled their hearts and they trembled. They said to Moses, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” And the people stood afar off and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. And the Lord said to Moses what he was to command the children of Israel. And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord. And all the people answered with one voice, “All the words which the Lord hath spoken will we do.”