1. Exactly three months after the people of Israel left Egypt, they came to the Desert of Sinai.
2. After they started out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai. They camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
3. Then Moses went up to God. The Lord called out to him from the mountain. He said, "Here is what I want you to say to my people, who came from Jacob's family. Tell the Israelites,
4. "You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt. You saw how I carried you on the wings of eagles and brought you to myself.
5. " 'Now obey me completely. Keep my covenant. If you do, then out of all of the nations you will be my special treasure. The whole earth is mine.
6. But you will be a kingdom of priests to serve me. You will be my holy nation.' That is what you must tell the Israelites."
7. So Moses went back. He sent for the elders of the people. He explained to them everything the Lord had commanded him to say.
8. All of the people answered together. They said, "We will do everything the Lord has said." So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.
9. The Lord spoke to Moses. He said, "I am going to come to you in a thick cloud. The people will hear me speaking with you. They will always put their trust in you." Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said.
10. The Lord said to Moses, "Go to the people. Today and tomorrow set them apart for me. Have them wash their clothes.
11. Have the people ready by the third day. On that day I will come down on Mount Sinai. Everyone will see it.