Exodus 19:3-6 is about God instructing Moses to convey to the Israelites that if they obey His commandments and keep His covenant, they will be chosen as a treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.
3 while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel:
4 You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.
5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine.
6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”
Setting the Scene for Exodus 19:3-6
In Exodus chapter 19, we find the Israelites camped at the foot of Mount Sinai. The scene is set in the wilderness, with the majestic mountain looming in the background, surrounded by vast desert landscapes. The Israelites, led by Moses, have been journeying through the wilderness after their escape from Egypt.
As the people gather at the base of the mountain, there is a sense of anticipation and awe in the air. The Israelites have been brought to this sacred place by the guidance of God, who has promised to speak to them from the mountaintop. Moses, the chosen leader of the Israelites, ascends the mountain to receive instructions from God on behalf of the people.
The Israelites are filled with a mixture of fear and reverence as they await the words of God. They have been called to be a holy nation, set apart for God’s purposes. The scene is charged with the presence of the divine, as the Israelites prepare to enter into a covenant with their Creator at the foot of Mount Sinai.
What is Exodus 19:3-6 about?
This verse emphasizes the unique and elevated status that God bestows upon the nation of Israel. They are not just any ordinary group of people; they are chosen to be a representation of God’s holiness and to act as intermediaries between God and the rest of humanity. God sets them apart from other nations and tasks them with a special responsibility to uphold and embody His values and teachings by describing them as a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
Imagine being chosen by God Himself to serve as a priest for the entire nation, to lead them in worship and guide them in righteousness. The call to be a holy nation signifies that Israel is to be a beacon of morality and virtue, setting an example for others to follow. Through their actions and obedience to God’s commandments, they are meant to demonstrate to the world the beauty and power of living in alignment with divine principles.
This verse not only highlights the high honor and privilege bestowed upon Israel but also serves as a reminder to them of their sacred duty to be faithful to God and to fulfill their role as a holy nation. It is a call to embrace their identity as children of God and to live in a manner that reflects His holiness and love to the world around them.
Understanding what Exodus 19:3-6 really means
In Exodus 19:3-6, we find the Israelites at a crucial juncture in their journey, standing before Mount Sinai after their deliverance from Egypt. This passage holds immense significance as it marks the establishment of a covenant between God and His chosen people. As Moses ascends the mountain to commune with God, we witness the role of leadership and communication in facilitating the connection between humanity and the divine.
God’s message in this passage is not directed solely to Moses but to the entire community of Israel, emphasizing the collective identity and shared responsibility of the people. Just as Jacob’s name was changed to Israel, symbolizing a new identity and mission, Christians are reminded of their status as a chosen people and a royal priesthood, as highlighted in 1 Peter 2:9.
The imagery of being carried on eagles’ wings serves as a powerful reminder of God’s past deliverance and ongoing care for His people. This metaphor, echoed in Deuteronomy 32:11 and Isaiah 40:31, portrays God’s nurturing and protective nature, lifting us above our struggles and drawing us closer to Himself.
The conditional nature of the covenant is emphasized in the call for obedience and the promise of being God’s treasured possession. This echoes the concept of Israel as a holy people chosen by God in Deuteronomy 7:6 and Jesus’ words in John 15:14, underscoring the importance of obedience in maintaining a close relationship with the Lord.
The declaration that Israel would be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation highlights the universal sovereignty of God and the unique role assigned to His people. This concept is further explored in Isaiah 61:6 and Revelation 1:6, emphasizing the call to a life of service, holiness, and representing God to the world.
Today, as Christians, we are called to live out our faith collectively, just as the Israelites were called to be a holy nation. Obedience to God’s commands and adherence to His covenant bring blessings and fulfillment, while trusting in God’s care and deliverance sustains us in our personal journeys.
Consider a community project where each person plays a vital role in its success. Similarly, when we obey God and fulfill our responsibilities in His kingdom, we contribute to the greater good and witness the flourishing of His purposes in our lives and the world around us.
Reflecting on the profound symbolism of being carried on eagles’ wings, treasured as God’s possession, and called to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, we gain a deeper understanding of our identity and purpose as God’s people today. Let us embrace our role with reverence, dedication, and a commitment to serving God and others in love.
What does it mean to be a holy nation?
Being a holy nation means that the people are set apart for God, called to live in a way that reflects His holiness and righteousness. It involves following God’s commandments, walking in obedience to His ways, and being a shining example to others of what it means to belong to Him. The people, as a holy nation, are expected to uphold God’s standards of justice, righteousness, and compassion in all aspects of their lives.
This designation also implies a special relationship with God, where He is their God and they are His people. It signifies a covenantal bond between God and the nation, with responsibilities and blessings that come with being chosen by Him. A holy nation involves embodying God’s values and principles in a world that often contradicts or opposes them, serving as a beacon of light and hope to those around them. It is a call to live differently, reflecting the character of God in all their actions and dealings with others.
Application
Embrace the call to draw close to God, honoring His sacred presence and the mission to stand out for His cause. Let these words stir your soul, urging you to listen to His guidance, follow His teachings, and live as a cherished member of His divine plan. Will you respond to this heavenly summons with dedication and fervor?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.