Exodus 19:1-12, Thoughts from Exodus (10)

1622   16:22-31: They didn’t need to understand how it worked.  They just needed to follow the rules.  It was a test (16:4).

1701   17:1-7: The third complaint after the Red Sea gets Israel “the Rock.”  As Paul says, the Rock was Christ (1 Cor. 10:4).

1801   What a great thing: the first to hear of God’s greatness were Moses’ in-laws.  Israel was/is supposed to be God’s witnesses to the Gentiles.

1803   “Gershom” means “foreigner, stranger.”  In v4 “Eliezer” combines “El” (God) and “ezer” (help).  Thus, God is my help.

1805   They are at the “mountain of God.”  It’s the area where Moses met with God at the burning bush (Ex. 3:1-2).

1811   What a great summarization of all that happened in Egypt in the time of the plagues.  In the very thing in which they behaved proudly He was above them.  I must think on this.  In my pride, that “god” needs to be struck down.  You are above them, and me, LORD! 

1811   You can’t talk about the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart without recognizing that the plagues were an attack on his “gods,” those whom he and the people of Egypt put their trust.

1901   19:1-2: Apparently the story of Jethro in Ex. 18 occurred between 19:1-2 and 19:3.  Moses was already judging the people and teaching God’s law.  In recording the events Moses likely was led to tell the story of Jethro first before getting to the “giving of the Law” which occupies the rest of the book called Exodus.

1901   19:1-6: God has brought them to this point, meeting their needs, including the “manna” test, the promise of “none of the diseases of Egypt,” the Rock, the Red Sea deliverance and so forth.  Therefore, the people say “yes” to a covenant with the LORD.  Then God immediately made clear the nature of the relationship by calling for cleansing (19:10-11) and boundaries (19:12-13,20-24). 

1904   “eagles’ wings.”  As I write these things, we have an eagle or two in the area behind our house in Montana.  They are majestic.  The wings are large and powerful and make for smooth flights, even as they swoop down to grab lunch (i.e. some unsuspecting varmint). 

1905   Every nation is God’s.  1) He can chose one to be His treasure if He so desires.  2) He can always be at war with one should He choose (17:16).  3) He can glorify Himself through plagues, etc. on one nation (Egypt).

1910   19:10-16: On “the third day.”  Israel became bound to the law.  Heb. 12:18-21: we have not come to this mountain but (12:22-24) to Mount Zion, to Jesus, raised the third day!