Exodus 19:1-6

KINGDOM OF PRIESTS

Keywords 19:6

you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."

 

1. God leads the people to Sinai (1-3)

Two months after leaving Egypt, the Israelites were led to the Desert of Sinai. Israel camped in front of the Mt. Sinai. Mt. Sinai is considered to be another name for Mt. Horeb, the place where God had appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush (Ex 3). God led them to the place and here God would enter in and confirm his covenant with Israel.

 

2. God’s covenant with his people (4-6)

The Israelites were now free. They were on their way to a new place to begin a new life. God had more in store for them, even more than setting them from bondage. God also desired to enter into a special relationship with the Israelites – a covenant. It would be based on what God had done for them (4), his word (Ex 20) and their obedience to his word (5), and his great hope and grace (6). God said they would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation for himself. In the same way God saves us through Jesus Christ to also be God’s special possession, a royal priesthood. As children of God, we are called to declare praises to God (1 Pe 2:9).

 

Prayer Father, thank you for the covenant we have with you through Jesus. Help me to live up to your call as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.

One Word A covenant people