Exodus 19:1

In the third month. That is, Sivan, comparable to our late May or early June. Verses 1 and 2 deal with the last stage of the journey of the Israelites to Mt. Sinai. At Mt. Sinai there occurred one of the great events of Jewish history, the incorporation of Israel as a church and a nation under the theocracy (PP 303). This form of government continued until, with the words, “We have no king but Caesar” (John 19:15), the Jews withdrew from it (DA 738). The process of organization at Sinai included the proclamation of the Ten Commandments, the ratification of the covenant, the construction of the tabernacle, the giving of ceremonial and civil laws, and the perfection of various civil and military procedures. A unique relationship was effected between the Lord and the descendants of Abraham, one into which no other nation would ever enter. Its purpose was to prepare the way for the coming of Christ as man’s Saviour.

The same day. Literally, “on this very day,” perhaps the first day of Sivan, possibly the 15th. Jewish tradition placed this event on the first day of the third month of the Jewish year. If so, the journey from Rameses to Sinai probably took 45 days.

The wilderness of Sinai. This is generally regarded as being the plain er-Raha, a nearly flat, bush-studded plain or desert, approximately 2 mi. long and 1/2 mi. wide (see on ch. 3:1). It was a suitable place for the Hebrews to gather to receive the law God was soon to proclaim, surrounded as it was by mountains which formed a natural amphitheater. At its southeastern end rose an almost perpendicular cliff of granite, which provided a high pulpit, or altar, from which the voice of the Lord might be heard. At the foot of this cliff was a series of low mounds that may have helped determine the “bounds” (v. 12) designed to keep the people from touching the mountain.

It was in such a majestic, inspiring environment that the law was given to Israel. It has been well observed that no spot in the world can be pointed out that combines in a more remarkable manner the conditions of a commanding height and of a plain, in every part of which the sights and sounds described in Exodus would reach an assembled multitude. It was a location of solitude, where the people could be entirely alone with God, away from everything that would draw their thought and attention from things divine. For more than 11 months Israel was to remain at Sinai. Here, besides receiving the law and ratifying the covenant, they would have time for the construction of the sanctuary and for the further development of their organization. It would afford them an opportunity for quiet reflection upon their responsibility toward the Lord.

God’s people need such periods of rest, as Christ advised the disciples (see Mark 6:31). We have the example of Paul, who himself “went into Arabia,” possibly to this very place (see Gal. 1:17). All of us need our Sinais, where, in quietness and solitude, God can do for us what He did for Israel, revealing His will, instructing us in it, and impressing us anew with His majesty. Sinai was a place of such solemnity that the minds of the people would irresistibly be elevated to communion with the Infinite. The very sternness and grandeur of the surroundings were a fit commentary on the sanctity of the law. As a fruitless, barren desert, Sinai is also a sharp reminder that of ourselves we can bear no spiritual fruit to the glory of God and cannot work out our own salvation. Did not Christ Himself say, “Without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5)?