The Hebrew calendar is a lunisolar calendar (meaning that months are based on lunar months, but years are based on solar years.), This chapter begins with the third lunar month after Israel left Egypt. It is also an exciting new phase in Israel’s journey. They were entering the wilderness of Sinai and little did they know that it would be a 40-year journey. (Joshua 5:6)

The LORD was establishing Israel’s identity and covenanted with them to become His treasured possession, a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. This was His part in the covenant, and for Israel, they were to obey his voice and keep his covenant.

I think Peter remembered what God said in verses 5-6 when he wrote that believers “are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.(1 Peter 2:9).

When we believed in Christ, we have this privilege to be called God’s children (John 1:12-13) and become part of his priestly kingdom to intercede on behalf of our loved ones and friends that they would also experience the grace and mercy of our God.

It is heartening to read about Israel’s response that they would obey all that the LORD has spoken to them. (v. 8)

When Moses reported the “good news” to the LORD – which He Himself had already known it, being the Sovereign LORD who is able to listen to all our conversations, He affirmed Moses and his leadership. He wanted the people to hear Him speak to Moses so that the people might believe that Moses was indeed God’s servant.

From this chapter, I learned that consecration is both an outward cleansing and an inner purity. The people were commanded to “wash their garments” – the things they wear must be cleaned. (vv. 10, 14) and for the men, they were not to go near a woman; to refrain from any sexual intimacy. (v. 15) I believe for this special occasion it would only be a temporary measure for those who were married.

Another lesson I learn is “setting boundaries” (vv. 12-13, 23) and giving warning. Our God is a holy God and there are certain limits or boundaries concerning His holiness that He wants His people to observe. God is also a kind and gentle God who does not want people to perish unnecessarily and so He gives warning to alert people not to cross the limits and incur serious consequences for themselves.

He said in verse 12-13, “Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death.No hand shall touch him (the one who was to be put to death), but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.”

When the LORD was descending to meet Moses on Mount Sinai, He told Moses, “Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to the Lord to look and many of them perish. Also let the priests who come near to the LORD consecrate themselves, lest the LORD break out against them.” (vv. 21-22) These were solemn warnings to the people.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, as God’s children, let us remember that our Lord desires for us to be His treasured possession, a priestly kingdom and holy nation. When we truly live like His people, we will be salt of the earth and light of the world.

Dear loving God, thank you for your goodness and mercy. You have done everything possible, including sending your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, from heaven to earth, so that you might bring us back to yourself to enjoy your presence and provision, and to come under your wings of protection. We pray that we might grow to become your treasured possession, be a priest to interceding for others and meet their needs and be a holy people to show your marvellous light to the world, giving glory to your name. Amen!