Last week we looked at the Passover and how God freed the Israelites from slavery to Pharaoh in Egypt. When the people got to Mount Sinai, Moses had a conversation with God…
Exodus 19:3–6 ||Moses went up the mountain to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain: “This is what you must say to the house of Jacob and explain to the Israelites: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will carefully listen to me and keep my covenant, you will be my own possession out of all the peoples, although the whole earth is mine, and you will be my kingdom of priests and my holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to say to the Israelites.” [CSB]
God didn’t just have a conversation; he sat Moses down and said, “tell them this…” Have you ever wished God would just tell you what he wanted from you? That is what he is doing here. This is a message from the God who delivers from slavery, and if God made a point to have it recorded in the Torah and to have it repeated directly to the people, then it seems like it is a very important message!
“them them…” is a phrase that Moses is familiar with. It is how his commission from God began!
Moses wanting to explain to the people who is sending him (the burning bush) In Exodus 3 we have at least 3 times where God says, “Say this to the people”.In chapter 6 it happens again. Moses confronted Pharaoh and he made life even more miserable for the Jews. Moses was told to remind the people of the Abrahamic covenant. This takes place just before all the plagues happen.In chapter 12 God tells Moses to “tell the whole community of Israel” about the last plague, the Passover.In chapter 14, God says “tell them to camp in front of the red sea”, just before the parting of it and the destruction of Pharaoh and his armiesIn chapter 16 it is instructions about the manna, God’s amazing, unprecedented provision in the wilderness, that Moses was instructed to tell the people.NOW, in chapter 19, God is about to reveal his laws and lead the people into the promised land.
Each time we read this phrase, “tell the people” it has been the prefix for something amazing. It has been the type of announcement that forces you to take notice. Each time it seems to give us better clarity about God and his character and insight into how he provides for and protects his people.
Let’s take some time to examine this message that was so significant at this point.
“You saw what I did to Egypt”“I carried you on eagle’s wings” – is a phrase that we do not use very often.
Deuteronomy 32:11 ||He watches over his nest like an eagle and hovers over his young; he spreads his wings, catches him, and carries him on his feathers. [CSB]
I think there is also a beautiful contrast between the two: look what I did to the person who defied me and look at what I did for the people I have chosen.
It was not a message of “look what I did to Pharaoh – so straighten up and fly right or you will be next!
“I carried you on eagle’s wings” – is a phrase that we do not use very often. To understand a bit more of what God might be implying here, check out this passage:
Deuteronomy 32:11 ||He watches over his nest like an eagle and hovers over his young; he spreads his wings, catches him, and carries him on his feathers. [CSB]
Perhaps part of this description is meant to show Israel as fledglings. They did not know God very well, and their faith in God had just begun?
I think what is more significant is the result. God brought them out of slavery, and God brought them to the wilderness, and then to a very specific location. But most of all, and what seems to matter most to God, is that he brought Israel to himself.
God pulled Israel out of slavery, carried them to freedom SO THAT they could be with him.
It is at this point that God is going to appears in the pillar of cloud – to help the Israelites have a physica
