“And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.”
Historical Context:The book of Exodus records the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt and their subsequent journey to the Promised Land. In Exodus 19, the Israelites had arrived at Mount Sinai, where God called Moses up to the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments and instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.
The Significance of the Trumpet:In this verse, the trumpet plays a significant role. The sounding of the trumpet served as a signal to capture the attention of the people and prepare them for a divine encounter. The trumpet blast marked the beginning of a significant event-the communication between Moses and God.
The Intensity of the Trumpet’s Sound:The verse emphasizes that the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder. This increasing volume added a sense of awe and grandeur to the scene. The amplifying sound built anticipation and drew the attention of the people toward the presence of God. The trumpet’s intensifying sound signified the approaching divine revelation and the weightiness of the encounter about to take place.
Moses’ Interaction with God:As the trumpet sounded, Moses spoke to God, and God answered him by speaking with a voice. Moses acted as the mediator between God and the people, conveying their requests and concerns to God and receiving divine instructions in return. The dialogue between Moses and God demonstrates their unique relationship and the privilege Moses had as God’s chosen leader for the Israelites.
Lessons and Applications:
- The Importance of Divine Communication:The passage highlights the significance of communication between God and His people. God desires to speak to us, and He provides various means for us to hear His voice, such as prayer, reading the Bible, and seeking Him with a sincere heart.
- The Power of God’s Presence:The escalating sound of the trumpet and the subsequent encounter between Moses and God reveal the majesty and power of God’s presence. Just as the Israelites were captivated and reverent in God’s presence, we should approach God with awe and reverence, recognizing His holiness.
- Mediation and Intercession:Moses’ role as an intermediary between God and the people teaches us the importance of intercession. We can intercede on behalf of others, bringing their needs and requests before God. Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, providing access to the Father through His sacrifice.
- Hearing God’s Voice:The passage encourages us to listen for God’s voice. God still speaks today, and we can develop our ability to recognize His voice through regular study of His Word, cultivating a prayerful life, and being sensitive to His leading through the Holy Spirit.
- Preparation for Divine Encounters:The trumpet’s sound alerted the people to prepare themselves for a divine encounter. Similarly, we should prepare our hearts and lives when seeking God. We can do this through repentance, worship, and setting aside dedicated time for seeking God’s presence
In conclusion, Exodus 19:19 captures a significant moment in the interaction between Moses and God at Mount Sinai. It reminds us of the importance of divine communication, the power of God’s presence, the role of mediation and intercession, the need to hear God’s voice, and the significance of preparing ourselves for divine encounters.
