Exodus 19

1In the third month after the children of Israel came out from the land of Egypt, they arrived at the wilderness of Sinai on that day.

2They journeyed from Rephidim, came to the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped in the wilderness; there Israel encamped before the mountain.

3Moses went up to God, and Yahweh called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and declare to the children of Israel:"

4You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.

5And now, if you carefully heed my voice and keep my covenant, then you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine.

6And you will be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words you shall speak to the sons of Israel.

7Moses came and called the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that Yahweh had commanded him.

8All the people answered together and said, “Everything Yahweh has spoken we will do.” Moses brought the people’s words back to Yahweh.

9Yahweh said to Moses, "See, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, so the people will hear when I speak with you and will also trust you forever." Moses told the people's words to Yahweh.

10Yahweh said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and have them wash their garments."

11Be ready for the third day, for on the third day Yahweh will descend before the eyes of all the people on Mount Sinai.

12You shall set boundaries around the people, saying, "Guard yourselves against going up onto the mountain or touching its edge; whoever touches the mountain shall surely die."

13No hand shall touch him, for he shall indeed be stoned or shot—whether beast or man, he shall not live; when the trumpet blast is prolonged, they shall ascend the mountain.

14Moses descended from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments.

15He said to the people, "Be prepared for three days; do not approach a woman."

16On the third day, when it was morning, there were thunders and lightnings, a heavy cloud on the mountain, and a very strong trumpet sound; all the people in the camp trembled.

17Moses brought the people from the camp to meet God, and they stationed themselves at the foot of the mountain.

18Mount Sinai smoked entirely because Yahweh descended upon it in fire, and its smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled greatly.

19As the sound of the trumpet continued growing exceedingly strong, Moses spoke, and God answered him with a voice.

20Yahweh descended on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. Yahweh called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

21Yahweh said to Moses, "Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze, and many fall from among them."

22Even the priests who approach Yahweh must sanctify themselves, lest Yahweh break forth against them.

23Moses said to Yahweh, "The people cannot go up to Mount Sinai, because you warned us, saying, 'Set a boundary around the mountain and consecrate it.'"

24Yahweh said to him, "Go down and come up, you and Aaron with you, but let not the priests and the people break through to ascend to Yahweh, lest he break forth against them."

25Moses went down to the people and said to them.