Day 51- Exodus 19-21

Exodus 19 is described as,

This chapter introduces the solemnity of the giving of the law upon mount Sinai, which was one of the most striking appearances of the divine glory that ever was in this lower world.

The first thing I noticed about this chapter was the specificity of the time.  So often in the Bible, we are left to wonder about how long it is in between events.  Henry also noted it,

Here is, I. The date of that great charter by which Israel was incorporated. 1. The time when it bears date (v. 1)—in the third month after they came out of Egypt. It is computed that the law was given just fifty days after their coming out of Egypt, in remembrance of which the feast of Pentecost was observed the fiftieth day after the passover, and in compliance with which the Spirit was poured out upon the apostles at the feast of pentecost, fifty days after the death of Christ. In Egypt they had spoken of a three days’ journey into the wilderness to the place of their sacrifice ch. 5:3 ), but it proved to be almost a two months’ journey; so often are we out in the calculation of times, and things prove longer in the doing than we expected. 2. The place whence it bears date—from Mount Sinai, a place which nature, not art, had made eminent and conspicuous, for it was the highest in all that range of mountains.

Talk about getting the point through.  This was no subtle declaration.  Henry describes,

The extraordinary terror with which the law was given. Never was any thing delivered with such awful pomp; every word was accented, and every sentence paused, with thunder and lightning, much louder and brighter, no doubt, than ordinary. And why was the law given in this dreadful manner, and with all this tremendous ceremony? 1. It was designed (once for all) to give a sensible discovery of the glorious majesty of God, for the assistance of our faith concerning it, that, knowing the terror of the Lord, we may be persuaded to live in his fear. 2. It was a specimen of the terrors of the general judgment, in which sinners will be called to an account for the breach of this law: the archangel’s trumpet will then sound an alarm, to give notice of the Judge’s coming, and a fire shall devour before him. 3. It was an indication of the terror of those convictions which the law brings into conscience, to prepare the soul for the comforts of the gospel. Thus was the law given by Moses in such a way as might startle, affright, and humble men, that the grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ might be the more welcome. The apostle largely describes this instance of the terror of that dispensation, as a foil to set off our privileges, as Christians, in the light, liberty, and joy, of the New-Testament dispensation, Heb. 12:18 , etc.II. The impression which this made, for the present, upon the people; they must have had stupid hearts indeed, if this had not affected them. 1. They removed, and stood afar off, v. 18. Before God began to speak, they were thrusting forward to gaze ch. 19:21 ); but now they were effectually cured of their presumption, and taught to keep their distance. 2. They entreated that the word should not be so spoken to them any more (Heb. 12:19 ), but begged that God would speak to them by Moses.

I find that Chapter 21 is so monotonous after Chapter 20; however, Henry, who did not have much to say on the matter either, summarizes it quite succinctly, as follows:


"The laws recorded in this chapter relate to the fifth and sixth commandments; and though they are not accommodated to our constitution, especially in point of servitude, nor are the penalties annexed binding on us, yet they are of great use for the explanation of the moral law, and the rules of natural justice. Here are several enlargements, I. Upon the fifth commandment, which concerns particular relations. 1. The duty of masters towards their servants, their men-servants (v. 2-6), and the maidservants (v. 7-11). The punishment of disobedient children that strike their parents (v. 15), or curse them (v. 17). II. Upon the sixth commandment, which forbids all violence offered to the person of a man. Here is, 1. Concerning murder (v. 12-14). Man-stealing (v. 16). Assault and battery (v. 18, v. 19). Correcting a servant (v. 20, v. 21). Hurting a woman with child (v. 22, v. 23). The law of retaliation (v. 24, v. 25). Maiming a servant (v. 26, v. 27). An ox goring (v. 28-32). Damage by opening a pit (v. 33, v. 34). Cattle fighting (v. 35, v. 36)."

Keep that image in your head, thunder, lightning and bursts with each commandment and communication, whew, see you tomorrow!