Exodus 19:1

KJV

¶ In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they [into] the wilderness of Sinai.

KJV (with Strong's)

In the third {H7992} month {H2320}, when the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} were gone forth {H3318} out of the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}, the same day {H3117} came {H935} they into the wilderness {H4057} of Sinai {H5514}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In the third month after the people of Isra'el had left the land of Egypt, the same day they came to the Sinai Desert.

Berean Standard Bible

In the third month, on the same day of the month that the Israelites had left the land of Egypt, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai.

American Standard Version

In the third month after the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 19:1 records the precise moment of the Israelites' arrival at the wilderness of Sinai, in the third month after their exodus from Egypt. This pivotal verse marks the culmination of their initial journey as a liberated people, setting the stage for a profound and transformative divine encounter. At Sinai, God would formalize His covenant with Israel, reveal His divine Law, and establish the foundational principles that would define their identity as a holy nation and their unique relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 19:1 serves as a critical narrative hinge, transitioning from the Israelites' journey through the wilderness to their momentous encounter with God at Mount Sinai. The preceding chapters (Exodus 16-18) meticulously detail God's miraculous provision for His people in the desert, including the daily provision of manna and quail ([Exodus 16](/exodus/16 "Exodus 16 - God Provides Manna and Quail")), the miraculous provision of water from the rock at Rephidim ([Exodus 17:1-7](/exodus/17-1-7 "Exodus 17:1-7 - Water from the Rock")), and their victory over the Amalekites, secured through Moses' intercession ([Exodus 17:8-16](/exodus/17-8-16 "Exodus 17:8-16 - Battle with Amalek")). This consistent divine care underscores God's faithfulness in bringing them to this divinely appointed destination, fulfilling His promise and preparing them for the reception of the Law, which will formally establish their identity as His chosen people. The arrival at Sinai is thus the climactic destination of their initial liberation journey.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The arrival at the wilderness of Sinai, often identified with Mount Horeb in other biblical texts (e.g., [Deuteronomy 4:10](/deuteronomy/4-10 "Deuteronomy 4:10 - The Day at Horeb")), fulfills God's initial promise to Moses at the burning bush that Israel would "serve God on this mountain" ([Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Promise at the Burning Bush")). For a people who had endured generations of slavery in Egypt, this location represented not merely a geographical point but a sacred rendezvous with their Deliverer. The "third month" places their arrival approximately 45-60 days after the Passover and the Red Sea crossing, a precise timing that hints at divine orchestration, potentially coinciding with the time of the later Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), traditionally associated with the giving of the Law. In the ancient Near East, mountains were frequently perceived as liminal spaces where deities resided or revealed themselves, making Sinai an ideal and culturally resonant setting for God's dramatic self-disclosure to His newly formed nation.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 19:1 encapsulates several profound themes that resonate throughout the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Guidance and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous leading of His people to a specific, pre-ordained destination. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant and Revelation**, as Sinai is the place where God will formally establish His covenant with Israel and reveal His Law, transforming them from a collection of liberated slaves into a structured, consecrated nation. This sets the stage for the theme of **Israel's Identity as a Holy Nation**, as they are called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")). Finally, the verse initiates the theme of **Divine Presence**, as God descends upon the mountain to commune with His people, a dramatic manifestation of His immanence among them, laying the groundwork for the Tabernacle's construction and His dwelling in their midst.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **third month (Hebrew, _shᵉlîyshîy chôdesh'_):** (H7992, H2320) This precise temporal marker signifies the divine orchestration of events. "Third" (_shᵉlîyshîy_) denotes the ordinal position, while "month" (_chôdesh_) refers to the lunar month, often beginning with the new moon. This places Israel's arrival at Sinai approximately two months after their departure from Egypt (in the first month, Nisan), likely on the first day of the third month (Sivan). This timing is traditionally linked to the Jewish festival of Shavuot (Pentecost), commemorating the giving of the Law, emphasizing God's meticulous planning and the intentionality behind this momentous divine appointment.
* **children of Israel (Hebrew, _bên Yisrâʼêl'_):** (H1121, H3478) The phrase "children of Israel" (_bên Yisrâʼêl_) refers to the descendants of Jacob (whose name was changed to Israel), encompassing the entire nation. "Children" (_bên_) signifies a familial and collective identity, while "Israel" (_Yisrâʼêl_) carries the theological weight of "he will rule as God" or "God contends." This emphasizes that the covenant at Sinai is not with individuals but with the collective, chosen people, highlighting their corporate identity and destiny as God's covenant partners.
* **gone forth (Hebrew, _yâtsâʼ'_):** (H3318) The verb "gone forth" (_yâtsâʼ_) denotes a definitive departure or exodus. It emphasizes the completed act of liberation from Egypt, underscoring that their arrival at Sinai is a direct consequence of God's powerful redemptive work. This word encapsulates the entire journey from bondage to freedom, setting the historical context for the subsequent covenant formation.
* **came they (Hebrew, _bôwʾ'_):** (H935) The verb "came" (_bôwʾ_) signifies a purposeful arrival at a destination. Its use here emphasizes the culmination of the Israelites' arduous journey and their definitive presence at the pre-ordained location. This collective action underscores the unity of the nation under divine guidance, arriving precisely where God intended them to be for the next phase of their relationship with Him.
* **wilderness of Sinai (Hebrew, _midbâr Çîynay'_):** (H4057, H5514) "Wilderness" (_midbâr_) refers to an uninhabited or sparsely populated desert region, emphasizing the isolation and starkness of the environment, a place free from the distractions of settled civilization. "Sinai" (_Çîynay_) identifies the specific sacred mountain, a foundational geographical and theological landmark where God would reveal His glory, give His Law, and establish His covenant with Israel. The choice of a desolate wilderness highlights God's desire for an undistracted, focused encounter with His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In the third month":** This temporal marker precisely dates the arrival of the Israelites at Sinai. It signifies the divine timing and orchestration of this momentous event, occurring roughly two months after their departure from Egypt, aligning with the period leading up to the giving of the Law. This precision underscores God's meticulous planning and the intentionality behind this divine appointment.
* **"when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt":** This clause serves as a crucial reminder of their recent liberation from generations of bondage, establishing the immediate historical context of their journey. It emphasizes that their arrival at Sinai is a direct continuation of God's powerful redemptive work, moving them from physical freedom to the threshold of a covenantal relationship.
* **"the same day came they [into] the wilderness of Sinai":** The phrase "the same day" suggests a precise, possibly synchronous, arrival, perhaps on the first day of the third month (the new moon). This precision underscores God's perfect guidance and the intentionality of their destination, fulfilling the promise made to Moses at the burning bush that they would worship God on this very mountain. Their collective arrival signifies the unity of the nation in this momentous event.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 19:1 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. The **Precision** of the temporal markers ("In the third month," "the same day") highlights the meticulous nature of God's divine plan and His punctual fulfillment of promises, emphasizing His sovereignty over time and events. The mention of the "wilderness of Sinai" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing not merely a geographical location but a sacred space of divine encounter, revelation, and covenant formation—a place set apart for God's self-disclosure. The entire verse acts as a form of **Foreshadowing**, building anticipation for the dramatic events of the giving of the Law in the subsequent chapters, signaling the imminent transformation of the Israelites from a multitude of escaped slaves into a nation consecrated to God. Furthermore, the journey itself, culminating at Sinai, serves as an **Archetype** of spiritual pilgrimage, emphasizing divine guidance towards a specific, purposeful destination.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 19:1 is saturated with profound theological significance, marking the pivotal transition from God's redemptive act of liberation to His covenantal establishment of Israel as His chosen people. The precise timing and location underscore God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises and His intentionality in drawing His people into a deeper, more formalized relationship. This arrival at Sinai is the designated moment for God to reveal His character, His holy standards, and His Law, transforming a multitude of freed slaves into a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests")). It sets the stage for the formalization of the Mosaic Covenant, which would define Israel's identity, responsibilities, and unique relationship with Yahweh, establishing the framework for their national and spiritual life.

* [Exodus 3:12](/exodus/3-12 "Exodus 3:12 - God's Promise at the Burning Bush")
* [Deuteronomy 5:2-3](/deuteronomy/5-2-3 "Deuteronomy 5:2-3 - The Covenant at Horeb")
* [Galatians 3:17](/galatians/3-17 "Galatians 3:17 - The Law and the Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 19:1 offers a profound lesson in God's perfect timing and purposeful guidance in the lives of His people. Just as He meticulously led the Israelites through the wilderness to a specific destination for a divine encounter, so too does God orchestrate the seasons and circumstances of our lives. This verse reminds us that even in periods of wilderness or transition, God is faithfully leading us towards moments of deeper revelation, spiritual growth, and renewed covenant. It challenges us to recognize God's sovereign hand in our journey, to trust His timing even when the path is unclear, and to prepare our hearts for the "Sinai moments"—those times when He desires to reveal more of Himself, His will, and His purposes for us, calling us to a deeper commitment and a more consecrated walk. Our readiness to receive His word and respond in obedience is paramount, just as it was for Israel at the foot of the mountain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's precise timing in leading Israel to Sinai encourage me about His providence and faithfulness in my own life's journey?**
* **What "wilderness" experiences might God be using to prepare me for a deeper encounter with Him or a new season of commitment and revelation?**
* **In what ways can I better prepare my heart to receive God's word and respond in obedience, anticipating His "Sinai moments" in my life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the timing "the third month" significant?**

Answer: The timing "in the third month" is highly significant because it points to a precise divine appointment and underscores God's meticulous planning. The Israelites departed Egypt during the month of Nisan (the first month, around Passover). Their arrival at Sinai approximately two months later, in the third month (Sivan), aligns with the traditional timing of the Feast of Weeks, or Shavuot (Pentecost). Jewish tradition holds that the Law was given on Mount Sinai at this time, making this verse a crucial chronological marker. This connection underscores that the giving of the Law was not a random event but a divinely orchestrated culmination of God's redemptive work, establishing the covenant with His liberated people. It signifies the transition from physical liberation to spiritual and moral formation, preparing them to be a holy nation.

**Is "Sinai" the same as "Horeb" in the Bible?**

Answer: Yes, the terms "Sinai" and "Horeb" are often used interchangeably in the Bible to refer to the same mountain, the sacred location where God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and later delivered the Ten Commandments and the Law to Israel. For instance, [Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Exodus 3:1 - Moses at Horeb") refers to "Horeb, the mountain of God," while [Exodus 19:1](/exodus/19-1 "Exodus 19:1 - Arrival at Sinai") refers to the "wilderness of Sinai." Similarly, [Deuteronomy 4:10](/deuteronomy/4-10 "Deuteronomy 4:10 - The Day at Horeb") speaks of "the day that you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb," clearly linking the covenant event to this mountain. While some scholars debate the exact geographical location or whether they refer to different peaks within the same range, biblically, they function as synonymous names for the sacred mountain of God's revelation and covenant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 19:1, marking Israel's arrival at Sinai for the giving of the Law, profoundly foreshadows the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's covenant purposes. The Law given at Sinai, while holy and good, ultimately revealed humanity's inability to perfectly obey God's righteous standards, thus highlighting the desperate need for a Savior. Jesus, as the ultimate revelation of God, fulfills the Law not by abolishing it but by perfectly embodying and obeying its every demand ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). He is the true "mountain of God," the place where humanity can truly encounter God's presence and receive His grace and righteousness. The covenant established at Sinai, with its external laws and rituals, pointed forward to the New Covenant in Christ's blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), a covenant written not on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Promised")). Through Christ, believers are brought into a relationship with God far more intimate than that experienced at Sinai, where God's presence was veiled and terrifying. Instead of standing at the foot of a smoking mountain, we now "have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" ([Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Access Through Christ's Blood")), having been brought near by the ultimate sacrifice of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 12:6

And ye shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month: and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening.

Exodus 16:1

¶ And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which [is] between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

Leviticus 23:16

Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.

Leviticus 23:18

And ye shall offer with the bread seven lambs without blemish of the first year, and one young bullock, and two rams: they shall be [for] a burnt offering unto the LORD, with their meat offering, and their drink offerings, [even] an offering made by fire, of sweet savour unto the LORD.

Numbers 33:15

And they departed from Rephidim, and pitched in the wilderness of Sinai.

Exodus 12:2

This month [shall be] unto you the beginning of months: it [shall be] the first month of the year to you.