Movatterモバイル変換

Deuteronomy 4:10
Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, andthat they may teach their children.

Deuteronomy 5:5
(I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,

to meet with God
This phrase highlights the purpose of the gathering: a direct encounter with the divine. The Israelites are about to experience a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, which is a rare and significant event in biblical history. This meeting is a fulfillment of God's promise to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:12) and establishes the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It prefigures the ultimate meeting with God through Christ, who reconciles humanity to God (John 14:6).

and they stood at the foot of the mountain
The mountain, identified as Mount Sinai, is a place of divine revelation and covenant. Geographically, Mount Sinai is traditionally located in the Sinai Peninsula, though its exact location is debated. Standing at the foot of the mountain signifies the people's readiness to receive God's law, which will be given in the form of the Ten Commandments. This position also underscores the holiness of God, as the people are not permitted to ascend the mountain, reflecting the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. This separation is ultimately bridged by Christ, who provides access to God (Hebrews 10:19-22).

• Leadership in action: Moses literally gathers the entire nation, fulfilling God’s earlier command (Exodus 3:10; 19:7–8).

• Shepherding the flock: Just as Moses once led sheep to Horeb (Exodus 3:1), he now leads God’s people to the same place, illustrating how God redeems past experiences for present purposes (Psalm 78:52).

• Mediation foreshadowed: Moses’ role points ahead to Jesus, the greater Mediator who brings us to the Father (1 Timothy 2:5;Hebrews 3:5–6).

• Physical separation pictures spiritual consecration (Exodus 19:10–15). Leaving the camp underscores that meeting God requires cleansing and intentional preparation (2 Corinthians 6:17).

• The camp represents normal life; stepping outside highlights the call to holiness (Leviticus 20:24;Hebrews 13:12–13).

• God’s people regularly make this move—leaving what is familiar to encounter the Holy One (Genesis 12:1;Mark 1:35).

• A personal appointment: the phrase shows God’s desire for relationship, not mere spectacle (Exodus 29:42–46).

• Covenant context: God is about to declare His law and establish Israel formally as His treasured possession (Exodus 19:5–6).

• Echoes of Eden: humanity once walked with God; here He graciously initiates fellowship again (Genesis 3:8;Revelation 21:3).

• New-covenant fulfillment: in Christ we draw near with confidence (Hebrews 10:19–22;John 14:6).

• Poised in reverence and readiness (Deuteronomy 5:5). Their posture signifies both awe and accountability (Exodus 20:18–19).

• No casual audience: standing reminds us that hearing God’s Word calls for response (Nehemiah 8:5).

• Corporate unity: the whole nation stands together, modeling corporate worship (2 Chronicles 20:13).

• Spiritual warfare parallel: believers are also told to “stand” when meeting God in battle-ready prayer (Ephesians 6:13–14).

• Safe proximity: God invites closeness yet sets boundaries for their protection (Exodus 19:12–13).

• Visible majesty: thunder, fire, and smoke will reinforce His holiness (Exodus 19:18;Hebrews 12:18–20).

• Anticipation of ascent: while the people remain below, Moses will ascend, picturing Christ’s heavenly ascension on our behalf (Exodus 24:12;Hebrews 9:24).

• Foundation of revelation: Sinai’s base becomes the classroom where God inscribes His law, emphasizing that divine truth rests on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24).

Exodus 19:17 paints a literal, vivid scene: Moses gathers Israel, escorts them outside everyday life, and positions them to encounter the living God at Sinai’s base. Each phrase unfolds layers of meaning—leadership, consecration, relationship, reverence, and guarded nearness—pointing ultimately to Jesus, through whom we are led out, brought near, enabled to stand, and welcomed into God’s holy presence.

At the nether part of the mount.--In the plain directly in front of the Ras Sufsafeh, and almost under it.