1 (iv)In the third month after the people of Isra’el had left the land of Egypt, the same day they came to the Sinai Desert.
2 After setting out from Refidim and arriving at the Sinai Desert, they set up camp in the desert; there in front of the mountain, Isra’el set up camp.
3 Moshe went up to God, andAdonaicalled to him from the mountain: “Here is what you are to say to the household of Ya‘akov, to tell the people of Isra’el:
4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.
5 Now if you will pay careful attention to what I say and keep my covenant, then you will be my own treasure from among all the peoples, for all the earth is mine;
6 and you will be a kingdom ofcohanimfor me, a nation set apart.’ These are the words you are to speak to the people of Isra’el.”
(v)
7 Moshe came, summoned the leaders of the people and presented them with all these words whichAdonaihad ordered him to say.
8 All the people answered as one, “EverythingAdonaihas said, we will do.” Moshe reported the words of the people toAdonai.
9 Adonaisaid to Moshe, “See, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, so that the people will be able to hear when I speak with you and also to trust in you forever.” Moshe had toldAdonaiwhat the people had said;
10 soAdonaisaid to Moshe, “Go to the people; today and tomorrow separate them for me by having them wash their clothing;
11 and prepare for the third day. For on the third day,Adonaiwill come down on Mount Sinai before the eyes of all the people.
12 You are to set limits for the people all around; and say, ‘Be careful not to go up on the mountain or even touch its base; whoever touches the mountain will surely be put to death.
13 No hand is to touch him; for he must be stoned or shot by arrows; neither animal nor human will be allowed to live.’ When theshofarsounds, they may go up on the mountain.”
(S: vi)
14 Moshe went down from the mountain to the people and separated the people for God, and they washed their clothing.
15 He said to the people, “Prepare for the third day; don’t approach a woman.”
16 On the morning of the third day, there was thunder, lightning and a thick cloud on the mountain. Then ashofarblast sounded so loudly that all the people in the camp trembled.
17 Moshe brought the people out of the camp to meet God; they stood near the base of the mountain.
18 Mount Sinai was enveloped in smoke, becauseAdonaidescended onto it in fire — its smoke went up like the smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently.
19 As the sound of theshofargrew louder and louder, Moshe spoke; and God answered him with a voice.
(A: vi, S: vii)
20 Adonaicame down onto Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain; thenAdonaicalled Moshe to the top of the mountain; and Moshe went up.
21 Adonaisaid to Moshe, “Go down and warn the people not to force their way through toAdonaito see him; if they do, many of them will perish.
22 Even thecohanim, who are allowed to approachAdonai, must keep themselves holy; otherwise,Adonaimay break out against them.”
23 Moshe said toAdonai, “The people can’t come up to Mount Sinai, because you ordered us to set limits around the mountain and separate it.”
24 ButAdonaianswered him, “Go, get down! Then come back up, you and Aharon with you. But don’t let thecohanimand the people force their way through to come up toAdonai, or he will break out against them.”
25 So Moshe went down to the people and told them.