GIVING OF THE LAW – A CONDITIONAL COVENANT AT MOUNT SINAI

GIVING OF THE LAW – CONDITIONAL COVENANT AT MT. SINAI

Once they had crossed the Red Sea, Moses led the children of Israel through the wilderness of Sinai. Through this period, the people faced several tests to their faith in this journey. After three months, they arrived at the base of Mount Sinai in confirmation of God’s word to Moses in Exodus 3:12. They remain here for the next two years and it is   during their stay, Moses ascends the mount seven times to hear and receive instruction regarding the commandments and Laws of God (often referred to as ‘the law’ and ‘the law of Moses’). This young nation now entered a new phase in God’s divine purpose:

• The law was given to emphasize their unique relationship as God’s people because of their forefather, Abraham. Deuteronomy 7:8
• God called them to be separate from the other nations, Deuteronomy 7:6.
• The Law explained the right way to approach God. Deuteronomy 5:32, 17:20
• The law revealed when they were not giving glory to God, Galatians 3:21
• The law was to teach about the ‘Messiah’ or Christ, Galatians 3:24.

THE KINGDOM OF GOD ON EARTH:

It is at Sinai where God provides the formal establishment of Israel as the Kingdom of God: Exodus 19:6. Every Kingdom has 4 essential elements:

1. A king – Yahweh
2. A People – the children of Israel
3. A Law – given at Sinai
4. A territory: Land – Canaan