Exodus 19

Three months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites arrive at the base of Mount Sinai (Horeb). God declares His intention to enter into a covenant relationship with them, saying they will be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation—if they obey Him. The people willingly agree to the covenant. Moses prepares the people for a profound divine encounter: God appears on the mountain in fire, smoke, and thunder, shaking the mountain violently as a boundary is set to keep the people back.