The Chosen Key Word in this Chapter is “Peculiar treasure” it comes from the Hebrew Word “segullah” which means “a special, treasured possession.”
Israel arrives at the mountain where everything is about to change. Welcome to Bible Life Basics Chapter Reviews, I am Chris and this is Exodus 19.
Exactly three months after leaving Egypt, Israel arrives at the wilderness of Sinai and camps before the mountain. God calls to Moses from the mountain and offers Israel an extraordinary proposal. “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 indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people.” The Hebrew word for this treasured possession is “segullah,” describing something specially set apart and valued. God also calls them “a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.”
Moses relays this offer to the elders, and the people respond in complete agreement. “All that the LORD hath spoken we will do.” God tells Moses He will come to him in a thick cloud, so the people can hear when God speaks with Moses and believe him from then on. Moses is instructed to sanctify the people for two days and set strict boundaries around the mountain, since anyone, even an animal, that touches it will be put to death, emphasizing the mountain’s overwhelming holiness.
On the third day, thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, and a very loud trumpet sound fill the mountain, and the whole camp trembles. Mount Sinai is completely covered in smoke, because the Lord descends upon it in fire, and the entire mountain quakes greatly. The trumpet grows louder and louder, and Moses speaks while God answers him audibly. God calls Moses up to the top of the mountain and warns him again to keep the priests and people from breaking through to gaze upon Him.
God’s offer to Israel at Sinai was intimate and relational, calling them a treasured possession, not merely useful servants. But that closeness came with real weight and holiness attached, requiring careful preparation and reverence. Nearness to God has always been both a genuine privilege and something to be approached seriously.
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