Log inSign up

Exodus 19 · a question people ask

If God wanted his people close, why couldn't they touch the mountain?

In the text

Both are in the chapter. The LORD "brought you to myself" (19:4) and says he will "come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai" (19:11). He also tells Moses to set bounds: "Be careful that you don’t go up onto the mountain, or touch its border" (19:12). The text gives the reason in the LORD's own words: "lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish" (19:21), and "lest the LORD break out on them" (19:22). Moses repeats the command: "Set bounds around the mountain, and sanctify it" (19:23). The mountain itself is set apart, and the people are made ready: "sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments" (19:10). Hebrews looks back on this day and says, "you have not come to a mountain that might be touched" (Hebrews 12:18) but "to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant" (Hebrews 12:24).

The verses

“‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to myself.”
Exodus 19:4 · World English Bible
“The LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments, and be ready for the third day; for on the third day the LORD will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai. You shall set bounds to the people all around, saying, ‘Be careful that you don’t go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death.”
Exodus 19:10-12 · World English Bible
“The LORD said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. Let the priests also, who come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break out on them.” Moses said to the LORD, “The people can’t come up to Mount Sinai, for you warned us, saying, ‘Set bounds around the mountain, and sanctify it.’””
Exodus 19:21-23 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Exodus 19

Exodus 19: On eagles' wings

Before God gave Israel a single command at Sinai, he reminded them he had carried them "on eagles’ wings" to himself (19:4). He called them his "own possession" and "a holy nation" (19:5-6), words Peter uses of those who come to Jesus (1 Peter 2:9). And Hebrews says you have not come to this burning mountain, but "to Jesus" (Hebrews 12:24).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekExodus 19 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Exodus 19

All questions about Exodus →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions