Exodus 19:11

And be ready against the third day: for the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

And be ready {H3559} against the third {H7992} day {H3117}: for the third {H7992} day {H3117} the LORD {H3068} will come down {H3381} in the sight {H5869} of all the people {H5971} upon mount {H2022} Sinai {H5514}.

and prepare for the third day. For on the third day, ADONAI will come down on Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people.

and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

and be ready against the third day; for the third day Jehovah will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

Commentary

Exodus 19:11 is a pivotal verse in the narrative of God's covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the solemn preparation required before a divine encounter. It sets the stage for one of the most significant events in biblical history: the giving of the Law.

Context

After their miraculous deliverance from Egypt and journey through the wilderness, the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai. God had already called Moses up the mountain, instructing him to tell the people of His desire to form a special covenant with them, making them "a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). This verse, Exodus 19:11, is part of God's specific instructions to Moses for the people to purify themselves and be ready for His descent upon the mountain on the third day. The preceding verses, Exodus 19:10 and Exodus 19:14, detail the commands for sanctification and setting boundaries around the mountain, underscoring the sacredness of the upcoming event.

Key Themes

  • Divine Manifestation (Theophany): The verse highlights God's direct and visible descent onto Mount Sinai. This was not a mystical experience but a tangible, awe-inspiring display of His presence to "all the people." This public manifestation affirmed His existence and authority.
  • Holiness and Preparation: The command to "be ready against the third day" underscores the absolute necessity of holiness and purity when approaching a holy God. This preparation involved ritual cleansing and abstinence, symbolizing a spiritual readiness to enter into His presence. This theme of holiness required for approaching God is foundational throughout the Old Testament.
  • Covenant Foundation: This dramatic divine appearance served as the powerful prelude to the giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, defining Israel's relationship with God.
  • God's Initiative: It is God who "will come down," emphasizing His sovereign initiative in revealing Himself and establishing a relationship with His chosen people.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "come down" here is yarad (Χ™Χ¨Χ“), which signifies a literal, physical descent. It conveys the tangible nature of God's presence, not just a spiritual or metaphorical one. This was a visible and audible event for the entire nation. The command to "be ready" uses the Hebrew verb kun (Χ›Χ•ΧŸ), meaning to establish, prepare, or make firm. It implies a thorough and complete preparation, both physically (through cleansing) and spiritually (through consecration).

Practical Application

Exodus 19:11 reminds believers today of the reverence due to God and the importance of spiritual preparation in our approach to Him. While we no longer need to prepare for a physical descent of God on a mountain, the principle of a holy and prepared heart remains. Through Christ, we have direct access to God (Hebrews 4:16), but this access should be accompanied by humility, worship, and a desire to live in accordance with His will. It encourages us to cultivate a life of purity and readiness, acknowledging God's constant presence and His desire to commune with His people.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 19:16

    ΒΆ And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that [was] in the camp trembled.

  • Exodus 34:5

    ΒΆ And the LORD descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD.

  • Deuteronomy 33:2

    And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand [went] a fiery law for them.

  • Psalms 18:9

    He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness [was] under his feet.

  • Numbers 11:17

    And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which [is] upon thee, and will put [it] upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear [it] not thyself alone.

  • Exodus 19:18

    And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

  • Psalms 144:5

    Bow thy heavens, O LORD, and come down: touch the mountains, and they shall smoke.
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