EXODUS 19
When Moses told the words of the people to the Lord, 10 the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments 11 and be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. 13 No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” 14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people; and they washed their garments. 15 And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.” – Exodus 19:9-15
EXODUS 19 PURIFICATION OF GOD’S PEOPLE
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When the Lord chose his own people, he wanted them cleansed
God gave Moses instructions to follow in order for purification to happen
The Israelites were to wash their garments and be ready in three days
On the third day, the Lord will come down in their sight in Mt. Sinai
They were cautioned to stay at a distance so that they won’t be stoned
No hands were to touch the mountain or they couldn’t go near a woman.
1 Peter 1:15-16 says15 but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” This is the context of the Lord’s requirement for his people in Mt. Sinai. Washing their clothes was symbolic of cleansing their hearts, soul and mind from all sin and impurities that come from the world. They were also required to respect the boundary that God placed on the foot of the mountain for their own sake. They would die if they stepped or touched it. Verse 15 actually meant, not to have sexual contact with a woman or their wives. It sounds very harsh to follow such stipulations in order to experience God’s presence, doesn’t it? But God is a holy God and he wants his people holy in order for him to come down and show himself to us. He hates sin and corruption so he can’t be with us when we are impure.
REFLECTION
- Why is it important to regularly confess and repent of our sins as Christians?
