Topical Bible: Israel: Sanctify Themselves for Receiving the Law

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The sanctification of Israel in preparation for receiving the Law at Mount Sinai is a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the establishment of the covenant between God and His chosen people. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, where God instructs Moses on the necessary preparations for this divine encounter.

Context and Background

After the miraculous deliverance from Egypt and the crossing of the Red Sea, the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness to Mount Sinai. It is here that God intended to reveal His Law, establishing a covenant with Israel and setting them apart as a holy nation. The sanctification process was essential for preparing the people to meet with God, emphasizing the holiness required to stand in His presence.

Biblical Instructions for Sanctification

In Exodus 19, God provides specific instructions to Moses regarding the sanctification of the people. The Lord commands Moses to consecrate the Israelites over a period of three days. This process involved both physical and spiritual preparation:

1. Washing of Garments: The Israelites were instructed to wash their clothes as a symbol of purification. This act represented the need for external cleanliness as a reflection of internal sanctity. Exodus 19:10 states, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes.'"

2. Abstinence: The people were also to abstain from certain activities, including marital relations, to maintain a state of purity and focus on the spiritual significance of the event. Exodus 19:15 records Moses' words: "Be prepared for the third day; do not draw near to a woman."

3. Setting Boundaries: God instructed that boundaries be set around the mountain to prevent the people from approaching it. This was to ensure that the holiness of the mountain, where God's presence would descend, was respected. Exodus 19:12-13 warns, "You are to set boundaries for the people all around, saying, 'Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.'"

Theophany and the Giving of the Law

On the third day, amidst thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud, God descended upon Mount Sinai in a dramatic theophany. The mountain trembled, and the sound of a trumpet grew louder, signifying the divine presence. Exodus 19:18-19 describes this awe-inspiring scene: "Mount Sinai was completely enveloped in smoke, because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke rose like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked violently. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in the thunder."

It was in this setting that God delivered the Ten Commandments, the foundational laws that would govern the moral and spiritual life of Israel. The sanctification process underscored the seriousness and sacredness of receiving God's Law, highlighting the need for holiness and reverence in approaching the divine.

Significance in Israel's Covenant Relationship

The sanctification of Israel for receiving the Law at Sinai is a profound demonstration of God's desire for a holy people, set apart for His purposes. It reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where God's people are called to be distinct from the surrounding nations, living in obedience to His commandments. This event not only established the legal and moral framework for Israel but also foreshadowed the ultimate sanctification through Christ, who fulfills the Law and enables believers to approach God with confidence.

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Exodus 19:10-15
And the LORD said to Moses, Go to the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,
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Library

The Crossing of the Jordan
... When Israel under Joshua arrived at the Jordan River ... This command to "sanctify
yourselves" points to the ... they know no limit, but give themselves entirely over ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter two the crossing of.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... 542] And the gospel is preached, that men receiving the external ... the ordinances of
his grace, the people of Israel were commanded to sanctify themselves. ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... that by which Jacob and Laban bound themselves in mutual ... that I am the Lord that
does sanctify you. ... Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Festal Letters.
... who pollute the fast, he saith here, sanctify a fast ... else, there are many who exalt
themselves above their ... the Word blamed the children of Israel on account of ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/i festal letters.htm

Perfect Righteousness was Conferred Neither by Circumcision nor by ...
... know that I am the Lord, that sanctify them." [3984 ... because they had the righteousness
of the law in themselves. ... the assembly of the children of Israel in the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi perfect righteousness was conferred.htm

No Minister Ought to Keep a Faithful Person from the Communion ...
... is not well, and so openly set themselves in opposition ... with this Sacrament: because
the Children of Israel did eat ... sanctify Him, but that he may sanctify thee ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap i no minister ought.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... by Christ, they have, as I said, an allowance so to subscribe themselves. ... (2.) It
supposes an impediment in Israel, as to the faculty of receiving or hoping ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals.
... especially exhibit the evil to which they expose themselves, who, refusing to sanctify
this day ... out his judgments upon the people of Israel, the Lord ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter xi covenanting enforced by.htm

Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... Thus also Paul and Barnabas themselves, as we read in the ... Blow the trumpet in Zion,
sanctify a fast, call a solemn ... that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 27 upon our lords.htm

Calvary
... "That He might sanctify the people with ... The priests had overreached themselves. ... We
trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel." How grateful ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 78 calvary.htm