“In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.”
Which was in the beginning of the month Sivan, containing part of May, and part of June. That they departed from Rephidim.
“And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;”
God called Jacob, Israel: therefore the house of Jacob and the people of Israel signify only God’s people. Cross references: : Acts 7:38
“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.”
Deut. 29:2 For the Eagle by flying high, is out of danger, and by carrying her birds rather on her wings than in her talons declareth her love.
“Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:”
Deut. 10:14 ; Ps. 24:1 Deut. 5:2
“And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.”
Exod. 24:3 ; Deut. 5:27 ; Deut. 26:17 ; Josh. 21:16
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,”
Teach them to be pure in heart, as they show themselves outwardly clean by washing.
“And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.”
But give yourselves to prayer and abstinence, that you may at this time attend only upon the Lord, 1 Cor. 7:5 .
“And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.”
Deut. 4:11 God used these fearful signs, that his law should be had in greater reverence, and his majesty the more feared.
“And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.”
He gave authority to Moses by plain words, that the people might understand him.
“And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.”
Or, break out upon them. Or, rulers.
“And the LORD said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD, lest he break forth upon them.”
Neither dignity nor multitude have authority to pass the bounds that God’s word prescribeth.