Question 1

What is happening when Israel arrives at the wilderness of Sinai?

Accepted Answer

When Israel comes to the wilderness of Sinai, they have been out of Egypt for about three months. They set up camp in front of a mountain that God has chosen. This is not just another stop on their journey. God calls Moses up the mountain to speak with Him. Here, God is about to enter into a formal covenant with the people, to make them His own in a clear way and give them His Law. So this scene is the doorway to their life as a nation bound to God.

Question 2

What does God mean by carrying Israel on eagles’ wings?

Accepted Answer

The picture of eagles’ wings is a gentle way of showing how God brought Israel out of Egypt. An eagle flies high, out of danger, and carries its young on its wings instead of its claws. In the same way, God rescued Israel quickly and safely, protecting them from harm. He did not only pull them out of trouble, but brought them “to Himself,” into a close relationship. The image tells the people that their salvation was by His care, not by their own strength.

Question 3

What does it mean that Israel will be a peculiar treasure and a kingdom of priests?

Accepted Answer

When God calls Israel His “peculiar treasure,” He is saying they will be His own special possession among all nations. Although the whole earth belongs to Him, He chooses them in a special way. Calling them a “kingdom of priests” and a “holy nation” means they are set apart to belong to Him, to live in a clean and obedient way, and to show His ways to others. As a priest speaks for God and brings people near, Israel is to live so that other nations can see what God is like.

Question 4

Why does God tie covenant blessing to obeying His voice?

Accepted Answer

God reminds Israel first of what He has already done for them, then says, “If you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant.” His grace comes first, their obedience is a response. Obedience is not empty words, but really listening and doing what He says. The blessings of being His treasure, priestly kingdom, and holy nation are joined to this real, lived obedience. This shows that belonging to God is not just a title, but a way of life shaped by His commands and promises.

Question 5

Why did all the people say, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do”?

Accepted Answer

After Moses tells the elders and people what God has said, they answer together that they will do all the Lord has spoken. They are moved by what God has already done for them, bringing them out of slavery and calling them His own. Their reply shows a strong desire to agree with God’s terms and live as His people. At the same time, their later story shows how weak human promises can be. This moment invites us to see both the beauty of willing obedience and the need for God’s ongoing help.

Question 6

Why did God come in a thick cloud where the people could hear Him?

Accepted Answer

God says He will come to Moses in a thick cloud so that the people can hear when He speaks and believe Moses forever. The cloud hides the full sight of God’s glory, which would be too much for them, but His voice is clear. By letting the people hear Him speak with Moses, God shows that Moses really is His chosen servant. This helps the people trust the words Moses brings later, including the commands and laws, as truly coming from God and not from Moses’ own mind.

Question 7

Why did the people have to wash their clothes and keep away from the mountain?

Accepted Answer

God tells Moses to set the people apart for two days, have them wash their clothes, and set clear boundaries around the mountain. Washing their clothes is an outward sign of the clean heart and life that should match God’s holy presence. The boundary shows that God is holy and cannot be approached carelessly. Anyone who touches the mountain while God comes down is to die, showing how serious this meeting is. All this teaches the people to approach God with respect and careful preparation.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s character and holiness?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows both God’s kindness and His holiness. He reminds Israel how He rescued them and brought them close, like an eagle carrying its young. He freely chooses them to be His special treasure. At the same time, His coming down on the mountain is surrounded by warning, distance, and death for those who cross the line. He is near in love, yet set apart in purity. This balance helps us see that God’s grace does not make Him casual; He is both merciful and to be feared.

Question 9

How can believers today relate to the call to be a holy nation and priests?

Accepted Answer

The words about being a holy nation and a kingdom of priests speak first about Israel at Sinai. God set them apart to live in obedience and show His ways to the world. Believers today can see in this a pattern of how God calls His people. He rescues first, then calls them to live set-apart lives, marked by obedience, service, and prayer. While the setting is different now, the heart of it remains: those whom God saves are called to belong to Him and to show His character in everyday life.

Exodus 19:1

In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.

Israel at Mount Sinai

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Exodus 19:1

In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.

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Israel at Mount Sinai

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