Theory question 101
The CovenantSection A (Themes from the Old Testament)
How did Moses prepare the Israelites for the covenant with God? Why was this preparation necessary?
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In the third month after leaving Egypt Israel camped before Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1-2).
Moses went up to God, who told him to remind the people how He bore them on eagles' wings out of Egypt (Exodus 19:3-4).
If they obeyed and kept His covenant they would be His own possession, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6).
Moses set God's words before the elders; the people answered, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do" (Exodus 19:7-8).
God told Moses to consecrate the people for two days and have them wash their garments (Exodus 19:10-11, 14).
He set bounds around the mountain; anyone who touched it would die (Exodus 19:12-13, 23).
The people were to abstain from sexual relations and be ready by the third day (Exodus 19:15).
On the third day there was thunder, lightning, a thick cloud and a trumpet blast; Moses brought the people to the foot of the mountain to meet God (Exodus 19:16-19).
Necessity: God is holy and requires holiness; to make them fit to meet God; to teach reverence and obedience; to make them understand and freely accept the covenant terms; to show the seriousness of the covenant.
Describe the steps in Exodus 19, then reasons for the preparation.