Exodus 19:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles ' wings and brought you to myself.

NIV: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

NASB: ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings, and brought you to Myself.

CSB: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

NLT: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.

KJV: Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.

NKJV: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.

A recurring theme in the Old Testament is Israel's recurring habit of "forgetting" God's work on their behalf. This does not necessarily mean that the facts were erased from their minds. This "forgetting" is more about how much Israel takes those events into account when making choices. Despite God freeing them with plagues (Exodus 3:19–20), defending them with supernatural power (Exodus 14:21–28), and supporting them with miracles (Exodus 15:22–25; 16:13–16), the Israelites often act as if they have neither hope nor responsibility.

Here, the Lord briefly emphasizes that Israel has seen His love expressed in action. Referring to eagles reminds Israel of how quickly their fortunes were reversed (2 Samuel 1:23; Isaiah 40:31). They arrived at Sinai a mere three months after being liberated (Exodus 12:40–41; 19:1–2) only because of God's direct work and love. All of this was preparation for this moment in Horeb (Exodus 3:1; Deuteronomy 5:2) where He would inaugurate them as His chosen people (Deuteronomy 14:2).

As promised to Abraham (Genesis 17:1–4), his descendants would be special to the Lord. However, benefits under the law of Moses would require Israel's obedience (Exodus 19:5).

Exodus 19:1–15 records God's instructions to Israel at the base of Mount Sinai, also referred to as "the mountain of God" or Horeb. The Lord tells Israel He is going to make them a special nation; this means establishing a covenant with the people. God will meet with Moses only. No man, woman, or animal may otherwise touch the mountain where God comes down.

God instructs the Israelites to prepare for His arrival on Mount Sinai in Horeb. They are to be clean and careful not to come onto the mountain itself. When God appears, He arrives amidst smoke, fire, lightning, earthquakes, and noise. Moses travels to the mountaintop and back, relaying messages about God's will. The first and most important of these are the fundamental principles of Old Testament law: the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–21).

Prior chapters in the book of Exodus described Israel's history after Jacob and his family settled there (Genesis 46:27; 47:10). God used Moses to deliver divine messages and as a conduit for miraculous power. Once Israel was freed (Exodus 12:40–41), the Lord continued to care for them (Exodus 15:22–25; 16:13–15; 17:6, 8–13). In this chapter, Israel prepares to receive God's Law at Mount Sinai. Almost the entire rest of the book (Exodus 20—40) are details about these commands.

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.