Exodus 19:1-15
After the wilderness of Shur (Exodus 15:22), and that of Sin (Exodus 16:1), the people come to the wilderness of Sinai. Born on eagles’ wings (symbol of power; v. 4), they now arrive at the place where the LORD is going to unfold His revelations and teach them the way in which He wishes them to serve Him (Exodus 10:26). In Egypt, we have already seen, no worship was possible. By contrast, as soon as redemption has been accomplished, as soon as God has separated His own, He expects from them the service of praise. "Ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation" He declares in v. 6, "that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light", as it is completed in 1 Peter 2:9.
Our chapter thus commences a new section of the book. Up to this point we have been considering what the LORD has in grace done for His people. Beginning from now, we shall find what He expects from His people in return. God always starts by giving, before requiring. Alas! these poor people do not know themselves, in spite of Marah and Meribah. They respond by making a foolish promise which God had not asked of them. "All that the LORD hath spoken we will do" (v. 8). It will not take long to show how they hold to this commitment.