“And Moses said unto the Lord, The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.”
Context:Before delving into Exodus 19:23, it’s essential to understand the context. The book of Exodus recounts the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. At this point in the narrative, the Israelites had recently escaped Egypt and arrived at Mount Sinai, where God would establish His covenant with them.
Setting boundaries:In verse 23, Moses speaks to the Lord on behalf of the people. He acknowledges that God had previously instructed them to set bounds around Mount Sinai and to sanctify it. These instructions were given to ensure the people’s safety and to maintain the holiness of the mountain.
God’s holiness:Mount Sinai was a sacred place where God would reveal Himself to the people. The boundaries and sanctification were necessary because of the divine presence that would descend upon the mountain. God’s holiness demanded reverence and respect, and the people needed to understand the seriousness of approaching Him.
God’s desire for obedience:The fact that Moses reminds God of the boundaries and sanctification reveals the people’s obedience to God’s command. They recognised the importance of following God’s instructions and were careful not to transgress the limits set by Him. Obedience was crucial in their relationship with God and in fulfilling His purposes.
Lessons for us today:
- Reverence for God:Just as the Israelites were instructed to set boundaries and sanctify the mountain, we should approach God with reverence and awe. Recognising His holiness and giving Him the respect He deserves helps us cultivate a deeper relationship with Him.
- Obedience to God’s commands:The Israelites’ obedience to God’s command to set bounds around the mountain serves as a reminder of the importance of obeying God’s Word in our lives. God desires our obedience because it aligns us with His will and leads to blessings and spiritual growth.
- Understanding God’s holiness:The setting of boundaries and sanctification around Mount Sinai highlights the holiness of God. As believers, we should strive to understand and appreciate God’s holiness, which sets Him apart from everything else. This understanding helps us approach Him with reverence and live lives that honour Him.
In conclusion, Exodus 19:23 emphasises the importance of recognising God’s holiness, setting boundaries, and sanctifying ourselves as we approach Him. It also underscores the significance of obedience to God’s commands. By studying this verse and its surrounding context, we can learn valuable lessons about our relationship with God and how we should approach Him with reverence and obedience.
