Exodus 19:8
All the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "all the people answered together" highlights that this wasn't just a decision made by leaders, but a unified, enthusiastic commitment from the entire nation. Their declaration "All that the LORD has spoken we will do" powerfully signifies their acceptance of God's covenant and their willingness to pledge their obedience, embracing both the privileges and responsibilities that came with it.
God has just declared His powerful love for Israel, reminding them how He rescued them from Egypt and carried them to Himself. Now, Moses relays God's desire for them to be His special people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation, provided they obey Him. The entire community enthusiastically agrees to do everything the Lord has commanded, and Moses carries their unanimous pledge back to God.
Imagine standing at the foot of a smoking mountain, God's voice thundering. What would you promise? The Israelites' response was immediate and absolute. What does this tell us about making commitments to God?
In Exodus 19:8, the entire nation of Israel answers as one voice: "All that the LORD has spoken we will do." This wasn't a hesitant or conditional agreement. It was a unified, unconditional commitment.
The Power of 'All'
In this pivotal moment, Moses isn't just a bystander; he's the vital link. What does his role in relaying messages reveal about effective communication in our faith walk?
The end of Exodus 19:8 states, "And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD." This simple phrase underscores Moses' crucial role as mediator.
More Than a Messenger
Understand the original words
asah · Hebrew Verb
The primary Hebrew verb for acting, performing, or executing; it implies purposeful motion, labor, or fulfilling a covenantal obligation.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
After 400 years of slavery, the Israelites are liberated from Egypt through God's mighty acts, led by Moses.
c. 1446 BC
Journey to Mount Sinai
The Israelites travel into the Sinai wilderness, arriving at Mount Sinai about three months after their exodus from Egypt.
c. 1446 BC
God's Offer of Covenant
God ascends the mountain and speaks to Moses, offering the Israelites a special covenant relationship, calling them to be His treasured possession and a kingdom of priests.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The People's Affirmation
Moses relays God's words to the people, who enthusiastically agree to obey all that the LORD has spoken, thereby accepting the covenant terms.
c. 1446 BC
God's Instructions for Purification
The LORD instructs Moses on how the people must prepare themselves, including washing clothes and abstaining from sexual relations, for God's imminent appearance.
This passage shows the people of Israel again making a similar promise to obey God's commands, but with a recognition of their own limitations and a plea for Moses to be their intermediary.
Joshua 24:21-22Here, the people again pledge their obedience after hearing Joshua recount God's faithfulness, highlighting the recurring theme of covenantal commitment and acceptance.
Nehemiah 9:3This passage describes a later assembly where the people confess their sins and renew their covenant, demonstrating the long-term implications of their initial commitment at Sinai.
Romans 10:3This New Testament passage reflects on this very moment, noting that the Israelites had a zeal for God but lacked true understanding, showing how this commitment was not rooted in faith in Christ.
Hebrews 12:18-19This text contrasts the terrifying experience of Israel at Mount Sinai with the New Covenant, highlighting the immense weight of the Law given at this moment and the people's immediate response of fear.
calvinExodus 19:1-8: "In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai."
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Et vos eritis mihi regnum sacerdotale, et gens sancta. Haec sunt verba quae loqueris ad filios Israel.
And Moses came, and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces al…
pulpitExodus 19:8: "And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD."
Verse 8. - And all the people answered together. It would seem that the elders submitted to the whole congregation the question propounded by Moses; or at any rate submitted it to a popular meeting, fairly representing the congregation. No doubt the exact purport of the question was made known by the usual means beforehand, and the as…
The phrase "all the people answered together" highlights that this wasn't just a decision made by leaders, but a unified, enthusiastic commitment from the entire nation. Their declaration "All that the LORD has spoken we will do" powerfully signifies their acceptance of God's covenant and their willingness to pledge their obedience, embracing both the privileges and responsibilities that came with it.
God has just declared His powerful love for Israel, reminding them how He rescued them from Egypt and carried them to Himself. Now, Moses relays God's desire for them to be His special people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation, provided they obey Him. The entire community enthusiastically agrees to do everything the Lord has commanded, and Moses carries their unanimous pledge back to God.
God has just declared His powerful love for Israel, reminding them how He rescued them from Egypt and carried them to Himself. Now, Moses relays God's desire for them to be His special people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation, provided they obey Him. The entire community enthusiastically agrees to do everything the Lord has commanded, and Moses carries their unanimous pledge back to God.
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c. 1446 BC
Theophany at Sinai
God descends on Mount Sinai in fire, smoke, and thunder, accompanied by trumpet blasts, signifying His majestic presence and the awesome nature of the Law.
"All the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD." — The phrase "all the people answered together" highlights that this wasn't just a decision made by leaders, but a unified, enthusiastic commitment from the entire nation. Their declaration "All that t…
