Even the priests who approach the LORDIn the context of
Exodus 19, the Israelites are at Mount Sinai, preparing to receive the Law. The priests, though set apart for religious duties, are reminded of the need for holiness. This highlights the seriousness of approaching God, emphasizing that even those in religious office are not exempt from the need for purity. The role of priests in Israel was to mediate between God and the people, a precursor to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who perfectly mediates the new covenant (
Hebrews 4:14-16).
must consecrate themselves
Consecration involves setting oneself apart for a sacred purpose. In the Old Testament, this often included rituals such as washing, abstaining from certain activities, and offering sacrifices. This requirement underscores the holiness of God and the need for purity when entering His presence. It reflects the broader biblical theme that God is holy and those who serve Him must also strive for holiness (Leviticus 11:44-45). This anticipates the New Testament call for believers to be a "royal priesthood" and live consecrated lives (1 Peter 2:9).
or the LORD will break out against them.
This phrase serves as a warning of the consequences of approaching God without proper reverence and preparation. The idea of God "breaking out" against someone is seen in other biblical instances, such as the death of Uzzah when he touched the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:6-7). It illustrates the seriousness of God's holiness and the danger of presumption. This concept is fulfilled in the New Testament through Christ, who provides a way for believers to approach God with confidence, having been cleansed by His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PriestsIn the context of Exodus, the priests were those set apart to serve in the tabernacle and later the temple. They were responsible for performing sacrifices and rituals to maintain the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who delivered the Israelites from Egypt and established them as His chosen people. His holiness and presence are central to this passage.
3.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where God gave the Law to Moses and the Israelites. It is a place of divine revelation and covenant-making.
4.
ConsecrationThe act of making oneself holy or set apart for God's service. This involved specific rituals and a heart posture of reverence and obedience.
5.
Divine JudgmentThe potential consequence of failing to consecrate oneself properly, as God's holiness cannot tolerate impurity or irreverence.
Teaching Points
The Holiness of GodGod's holiness is absolute and demands reverence. We must approach Him with a heart of humility and respect.
The Role of PriestsIn the Old Testament, priests were mediators between God and the people. Today, all believers are called to be priests, living lives that reflect God's holiness.
Consecration as a LifestyleConsecration is not just a ritual but a daily commitment to live set apart for God. This involves both outward actions and inward attitudes.
The Seriousness of WorshipWorship is not to be taken lightly. It requires preparation and a heart aligned with God's will.
God's Grace and JudgmentWhile God is gracious, He is also just. We must not presume upon His grace but strive to live in obedience to His commands.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 19:22?
2.How does Exodus 19:22 emphasize the importance of holiness among God's people?
3.What role do priests play in maintaining holiness according to Exodus 19:22?
4.How can we "consecrate themselves" in our daily lives as instructed in Exodus 19:22?
5.What are the consequences of failing to approach God with reverence in Exodus 19:22?
6.How does Exodus 19:22 connect to the New Testament teachings on holiness?
7.Why must priests consecrate themselves in Exodus 19:22 if they are already set apart for God?
8.What does Exodus 19:22 reveal about the nature of God's holiness and human sinfulness?
9.How does the command in Exodus 19:22 relate to the broader theme of purity in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 19?
11.What does the Bible say about holiness and sanctification?
12.What does the Bible teach about consecration?
13.Is there any historical record or physical evidence (Exodus 29:1-9) that the elaborate priestly garments and ordination ceremonies described actually took place as written?
14.Why does Jesus openly criticize ritual hand-washing (Mark 7:1-13) if it has clear roots in Old Testament law?What Does Exodus 19:22 Mean
Even the priests“Even the priests…” (Exodus 19:22)
- No one is exempt from God’s standards. If the very men set apart to serve in His tabernacle must examine their lives, so must everyone else (Leviticus 21:6;1 Peter 4:17).
- Leadership never grants immunity; it multiplies responsibility (Numbers 18:1-3;James 3:1).
- God’s people had just witnessed His power at Sinai (Exodus 19:16-19). The reminder to the priests underscores that spiritual privilege demands deeper humility, not casual familiarity.
Who approach the LORD“…who approach the LORD…”
- Drawing near to the Holy One is both an honor and a hazard (Leviticus 16:1-2;Hebrews 10:19-22).
- Sinai’s boundary markers (Exodus 19:12-13) dramatized that God’s presence is not an open public park; it is a sanctum requiring preparedness.
- Awareness of divine proximity produces reverent obedience, not dread-driven distance (Psalm 24:3-4;James 4:8).
Must consecrate themselves“…must consecrate themselves…”
- Consecration involved outward washing and inward surrender (Exodus 30:17-21; 40:12-15).
- God’s pattern: cleansing precedes communion (Joshua 3:5;2 Corinthians 7:1).
- For believers today, Christ’s blood provides the once-for-all cleansing, yet daily confession keeps fellowship vibrant (1 John 1:7-9).
- Practical steps:
• Examine motives before ministry.
• Renounce hidden sin (Psalm 139:23-24).
• Set apart time for worship rather than rushing into service.
Or the LORD will break out against them“…or the LORD will break out against them.”
- Holiness unchecked by repentance invites immediate judgment, as seen with Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-3) and Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
- “Break out” pictures God’s holiness bursting through human negligence (Psalm 78:21-22).
- In the New Testament assembly, the same principle appears with Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11), reminding us that grace never cancels God’s zeal for purity.
- The warning is mercy: better a stern caution now than destruction later (Hebrews 12:28-29).
summaryExodus 19:22 insists that even the most privileged servants must treat God’s presence with awe. Nearness to the LORD calls for consecration; neglect invites judgment. The verse teaches that holiness is not optional, boundaries guard blessing, and reverence keeps worship real.
(22)
The priests.--This has been called an anachronism, since the Levitical priesthood was not as yet instituted. But the Israelites, like all other ancient tribes or races, must have had priests long ere this, appointed upon one principle or another. It is a reasonable conjecture that hitherto the heads of families had exercised sacerdotal functions.
Break forth--i.e., punish in some open and manifest way.Compare the "breach" upon Uzzah (2Samuel 6:8).
Verse 22. -
Let the priests also. It has been objected, that no priests had been as yet appointed, and that we have here therefore an anachronism. But every nation in ancient times had priests, appointed on one principle or another: and the Levitical priesthood must be regarded as having superseded one previously existent, not as the first priesthood known to Israel. We have a second mention of priests, previous to the appointment of Aaron's sons to the office (in
Exodus 24:5), which confirms the present passage.
Sanctifythemselves. The verb used is identical with that which occurs in ver. 10; and there is no reason to believe that any different sanctification was intended. The natural inference is that the priests had neglected to sanctify themselves. (See the introductory paragraph.)
Lest the Lord break forth. Compare
2 Samuel 6:8, where we have an instance of such a "breaking forth" upon Uzzah.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Evenוְגַ֧ם(wə·ḡam)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andthe priestsהַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים(hak·kō·hă·nîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548:Priestwho come nearהַנִּגָּשִׁ֥ים(han·nig·gā·šîm)Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5066:To draw near, approachthe LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelmust consecrate themselves,יִתְקַדָּ֑שׁוּ(yiṯ·qad·dā·šū)Verb - Hitpael - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6942:To be set apart or consecratedorפֶּן־(pen-)Conjunction
Strong's 6435:Removal, lestthe LORDיְהוָֽה׃(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwill break outיִפְרֹ֥ץ(yip̄·rōṣ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6555:To break throughagainst them.”בָּהֶ֖ם(bā·hem)Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew
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OT Law: Exodus 19:22 Let the priests also who come near (Exo. Ex) 
