A Kingdom Of Priests and a Holy Nation

Exodus 19:1-25

Key Verse 19:5-6

1. Read verses 1-2 and think about the following expressions: 1) The Israelites left “Egypt”; 2) they entered the “desert” of Sinai; and 3) Israel camped in the desert in front of the “mountain” (of God). What do these expressions indicate about the environment in which the Lord called the Israelites as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? What spiritual applications can we find for our life in the Lord? 

2. Read verse 3. Jacob means a “deceiver” (Genesis 25:26), whereas Israel means “the one who struggles with God and with men and has overcome” (Genesis 32:28). What do the names indicate about God’s purpose in calling his children? 

3. Read verse 4. What did God do to Egypt? How did God carry the Israelites to himself? Why is this knowledge (or experience) important in responding to God’s call upon his children?

4. Read verses 5 and 6 and think about the requirements: “obey me fully”; and “keep my covenant”. What does “my covenant” refer to? Why are both (requirements) necessary? What would it be like for one to be: 1) “God’s treasured possession”; and 2) “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation”? 

5. Read verses 7-8. What did the people say? What can we learn from them? 

6. Read verses 9-25. On what condition did God allow the people to approach the mountain? (13) What is the significance of the ram’s horn? (Genesis 22:13) What does this passage tell us about God?