FEBRUARY 1, 2026 – COVENANT

READ: Ex. 19:1–25: … My covenant … a special treasure to Me … a kingdom of priests and a holy nation … consecrate them … thunderings and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain … the sound of the trumpet was very loud … Then the Lord came down upon Mount Sinai … Set bounds around the mountain …

The people of Israel, under the leadership of Moses, arrive at Mount Sinai, also called the mountain of God or Horeb. Here Moses had received his calling from the LORD out of the burning bush to lead Israel out of Egypt (Ex. 3:10).

At that time the LORD had already determined that their arrival at this place would serve as proof that Moses was indeed acting on His commission: he was to bring the people out of Egypt to this place to serve the LORD (Ex. 3:12). This confirms the authority of Moses as leader.

While the people wait, Moses ascends the mountain. God first calls out to him that the people must be aware of His special care for them (v.6) and speaks about His covenant with them.

By God’s gracious election they may be His personal possession among all the peoples of the earth. This entails the covenant requirement that they will diligently obey Him and form a royal priesthood.

This means that, set apart from the nations of the world, they will be devoted to the LORD to serve and honour Him in all things. In this way the LORD points to the essence of His covenant with His people (cf. Lev. 26:12–15; Jer. 7:21–23).

This is also the core of God’s covenant for the New Testament church, although it is now grounded in the atoning sacrifice of Christ (see 1 Pet. 2:9–10).

Moses reports to the people, and they respond unanimously: we will do everything that the LORD has commanded. Moses conveys this consent to the LORD. Then the LORD descends upon the mountain and sanctifies the people and the surroundings (cf. Isa. 6:3).

The LORD displays His omnipotence and majesty with impressive manifestations. Moses and Aaron ascend the mountain to receive from God His covenant law (v.24).

What is our priestly task?
Sing: Ps. 145:3