God Gives His Law on Mount Sinai
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Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.” He fasted during
the entire forty days.
God Exalts a Race of Slaves
During his stay in the mount, Moses received directions for the
building of a sanctuary in which the divine Presence would be specially
manifested. “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among
them,” was the command of God. For the third time the observance of
the Sabbath was enjoined: “It is a sign between Me and the children
of Israel forever,” the Lord declared, “that ye may know that I am
Jehovah that doth sanctify you. Ye shall keep the Sabbath therefore;
for it is holy unto you: ... whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul
shall be cut off from among his people.”
Exodus 31:17, 13, 14
.
Henceforth the people were to be honored with the abiding pres-
ence of their King. “I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will
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be their God,” “and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory.”
Exodus 29:45, 43
.
From a race of slaves the Israelites had been exalted above all
peoples to be the peculiar treasure of the King of kings. God had
separated them from the world, He had made them the depositaries of
His law, and He purposed, through them, to preserve among men the
knowledge of Himself.
Thus the light of heaven was to shine out to a world in darkness.
A voice was to be heard appealing to all peoples to turn from idolatry
to serve the living God. If the Israelites would be true to their trust,
God would be their defense, and He would exalt them above all other
nations.
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