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.
12. "Put limits for the people around the mountain. Tell them, 'Be careful that you do not go up the mountain. Do not even touch the foot of it. You can be sure that all who touch the mountain will be put to death.
13. Do not lay a hand on any of them. Kill them with stones or shoot them with arrows. Whether they are people or animals, do not let them live.' They may go up to the mountain only when the ram's horn gives out a long blast."
14. Moses went down the mountain to the people. After he set them apart for the Lord, they washed their clothes.
15. Then he spoke to the people. He said, "Get ready for the third day. Don't make love."
16. On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud covered the mountain. A trumpet gave out a very loud blast. Everyone in the camp trembled with fear.