# Exodus Chapter 19
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## Summarrium
On the third new moon following the departure from Egypt Israel come the wilderness of Siani and encamp before the mountain. The Lord instructs Moses to tell the people that he will come before them but restricts how close they can approach making clear that they must not touch the mountain or go near a woman lest they die. 

On the morning of the third day the Lord arrives and the mountain is concealed in smoke with a loud trumpet sounding. Moses goes up the mountain to meet with the Lord and the Lord advises that he should go collect Aaron but neither the people nor the priests should come up lest the Lord 'break out against them'. Moses therefore instructs the people accordingly.

## Meditatio
One of the key aspects of this chapter for me is the way in which the Lord outlines his relational intent towards his people. This is most clearly expressed in verse 5-6 where it explains “...you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples... a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” The Lords intent towards those he claims is a calling towards priesthood and holiness, but also to be treasure. 

This is the first extension to the abramic covenant, which would be later extended again with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. For the moment however this first modification now extends to an entire nation rather than just one family and one lineage.

Another key point that is subtle but reinforced through is the distinct 'otherness' of God. He is *holy*. We are presented with God in the natural manifestation of thunder and lightning, and loud trumpet sounds. There is clearly something distinctly different between him and us. So much so, in fact, that mediation is a necessity. The people are physically unable to approach the mountain on pain of death yet Moses has full access.

It must have been a terrifying experience walking up the mountain alone all the while observing what he did from the ground. I wonder if at any point Moses believed he might die, what did he see? If you had a video camera on Siani what would it have recorded? I am aware of the symbolic notion of the transcendence of high places; locations where the heavens and earth commune and some how closer to the divine.  

Indeed considering just a few key passages mountains have an important function as a place of encounter:

- Mount Ararat – where Noah’s ark comes to rest (Genesis 8).
- Mount Moriah – where Abraham is tested (Genesis 22).
- Mount Sinai – where Israel receive the covenant and law (Exodus 19–20).
- Mount Carmel – Where Elijah confronts Baal (1 Kings 18).
- Mount Zion – Symbolic of God’s residence amongst His people.
- Mount of Transfiguration – Jesus is revealed in glory (Matthew 17).
- Mount of Olives – Jesus’ ascension.