2. They traveled from Rephidim, came into the Sinai desert, and set up camp there. Israel camped there in front of the mountain
3. while Moses went up to God. The Lord called to him from the mountain, "This is what you should say to Jacob’s household and declare to the Israelites:
4. You saw what I did to the Egyptians, and how I lifted you up on eagles’ wings and brought you to me.
5. So now, if you faithfully obey me and stay true to my covenant, you will be my most precious possession out of all the peoples, since the whole earth belongs to me.
6. You will be a kingdom of priests for me and a holy nation. These are the words you should say to the Israelites."
7. So Moses came down, called together the people’s elders, and set before them all these words that the Lord had commanded him.
8. The people all responded with one voice: "Everything that the Lord has said we will do." Moses reported to the Lord what the people said.
9. Then the Lord said to Moses, "I’m about to come to you in a thick cloud in order that the people will hear me talking with you so that they will always trust you."Moses told the Lord what the people said,
10. and the Lord said to Moses: "Go to the people and take today and tomorrow to make them holy. Have them wash their clothes.
11. Be ready for the third day, because on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai for all the people to see.
12. Set up a fence for the people all around and tell them, ‘Be careful not to go up the mountain or to touch any part of it.’ Anyone who even touches the mountain must be put to death.
13. No one should touch anyone who has touched it, or they must be either stoned to death or shot with arrows. Whether an animal or a human being, they must not be allowed to live. Only when the ram’s horn sounds may they go up on the mountain."
14. So Moses went down the mountain to the people. He made sure the people were holy and that they washed their clothes.