Exodus 19:1-16

1In the third month after the Israelites went out from the land of Egypt, on the very day, they came to the Desert of Sinai.

2After they journeyed from Rephidim, they came to the Desert of Sinai, and they camped in the desert; Israel camped there in front of the mountain.

3Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain, “Thus you will tell the house of Jacob, and declare to the people of Israel:

4‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt and how I lifted you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

5And now, if you will diligently listen to me and keep my covenant, then you will be my special possession out of all the nations, for all the earth is mine,

6and you will be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you will speak to the Israelites.”

7So Moses came and summoned the elders of Israel. He set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him,

8and all the people answered together, “All that the Lord has commanded we will do!” So Moses brought the words of the people back to the Lord.

9The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and so that they will always believe in you.” And Moses told the words of the people to the Lord.

10The Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and make them wash their clothes

11and be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

12You must set boundaries for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves not to go up on the mountain nor touch its edge. Whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death!

13No hand will touch him – but he will surely be stoned or shot through, whether a beast or a human being; he must not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast they may go up on the mountain.”

14Then Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes.

15He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day. Do not go near your wives.”

16On the third day in the morning there was thunder and lightning and a dense cloud on the mountain, and the sound of a very loud horn; all the people who were in the camp trembled.