Exodus 19:22

Translations

Modern

Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.”

Traditional

And let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them.

Literal

And also let the priests who draw near to YHWH shall sanctify themselves, lest YHWH break out against them.”

Latin

Sacerdotes quoque qui accedunt ad Dominum, sanctificentur, ne percutiat eos.

Original

Hebrew

English

Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves, or the LORD will break out against them.”

Notes

Exodus 19:21–25

The repeated warnings that no one should break through and approach the Lord made the scene even more serious. The people had just seen powerful signs of God’s presence.

God is completely holy and far above his creation (transcendent, meaning beyond human limits). People must approach him in the way he commands. They may not come to him in their own way.

Exodus 19:16–25

The final preparation phase included events that helped people accept the covenant. Some of the experiences were visual: lightning and a cloud (19:16), smoke and fire (19:18). The people also heard thunder, a ram’s horn, and the voice of God (19:16, 19). The entire mountain shook violently (19:18). In the Bible, such unusual events are often associated with a theophany, which is a visible appearance of God’s holy presence.

Theme notes and profiles

Moses God’s Covenant with David God’s Covenants

Events

Ten Commandments Givenc. 1491 BC

Related verses

Exodus 24:5
Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD.
2 Chronicles 30:3
…since they had been unable to keep it at the regular time, because not enough priests had consecrated themselves and the people had not been gathered in Jerusalem.
1 Corinthians 11:30–32
That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.
Acts 5:10
At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.
Isaiah 52:11
Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.
Exodus 19:5
Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine.
Exodus 19:14–15
When Moses came down from the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes.
1 Chronicles 15:13
It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.”
Leviticus 10:1–3
Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense, and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to His command.
2 Samuel 6:6–8
When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen had stumbled.
Acts 5:5
On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened.
2 Chronicles 30:15
And on the fourteenth day of the second month they slaughtered the Passover lamb. The priests and Levites were ashamed, and they consecrated themselves and brought burnt offerings to the house of the LORD.

Glossary

Book of Exodus Covenant Criminal Law and Punishment Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel John the Baptist Miracle Mount Sinai Mount, Mountain

Topics

God: Appearances of To Moses, at Sinai Law: (Contained in the Books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy): Divine Authority For Priest: Before Moses: Priests in Israel Before the Giving of the Law Priests: After the Exodus Young Men (First-Born) Deputed to Act As Reverence for God Sinai: A Mountain in the Peninsula East of the Red Sea: The Law Delivered to Moses Upon The Law of Moses: None to Approach the Mount While God Gave Worship: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Exodus 19:22

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