Exodus 19:2 - When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 19:2" mean?
This verse from Exodus 19:2 is a simple statement of a significant geographical and spiritual shift for the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"When they had departed from Rephidim..." This indicates the Israelites had just left a previous encampment at a place called Rephidim. Rephidim was a significant location because it's where they struggled with a lack of water and where Moses struck the rock to provide water (Exodus 17). They also fought the Amalekites there.
"...and had come to the wilderness of Sinai..." This marks their arrival at the wilderness of Sinai. This wasn't just any wilderness; it was a specific and crucial location in their journey. The Sinai Peninsula is a large desert region.
"...they encamped in the wilderness..." This is a general statement that they set up camp in the Sinai wilderness.
"...and there Israel encamped before the mountain." This is the most important part. "The mountain" here refers to Mount Sinai (also called Mount Horeb in some passages). This is where God would reveal himself to Moses and give the Israelites the Ten Commandments and the Law. The fact that they are specifically said to be "encamped before the mountain" emphasizes their readiness to receive God's revelation.
In essence, this verse is a transition point. It signifies:
The end of one phase of their journey: Their time at Rephidim, with its challenges and miracles, is over.
The beginning of a new, transformative phase: They have arrived at Sinai, the place of divine revelation and covenant.
Preparation for a pivotal moment in their history: They are encamped and ready to receive the Law, which will define them as a nation.
God's initiative: God is leading them to this location for a specific purpose.
This verse is a simple statement, but it sets the stage for one of the most important events in the Old Testament – the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. It represents a turning point in the Israelites' journey from slavery to becoming a nation under God's covenant.
Exodus 19:2 - When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain.
What does "Exodus 19:2" mean?
This verse from Exodus 19:2 is a simple statement of a significant geographical and spiritual shift for the Israelites. Let's break it down:
"When they had departed from Rephidim..." This indicates the Israelites had just left a previous encampment at a place called Rephidim. Rephidim was a significant location because it's where they struggled with a lack of water and where Moses struck the rock to provide water (Exodus 17). They also fought the Amalekites there.
"...and had come to the wilderness of Sinai..." This marks their arrival at the wilderness of Sinai. This wasn't just any wilderness; it was a specific and crucial location in their journey. The Sinai Peninsula is a large desert region.
"...they encamped in the wilderness..." This is a general statement that they set up camp in the Sinai wilderness.
"...and there Israel encamped before the mountain." This is the most important part. "The mountain" here refers to Mount Sinai (also called Mount Horeb in some passages). This is where God would reveal himself to Moses and give the Israelites the Ten Commandments and the Law. The fact that they are specifically said to be "encamped before the mountain" emphasizes their readiness to receive God's revelation.
In essence, this verse is a transition point. It signifies:
The end of one phase of their journey: Their time at Rephidim, with its challenges and miracles, is over.
The beginning of a new, transformative phase: They have arrived at Sinai, the place of divine revelation and covenant.
Preparation for a pivotal moment in their history: They are encamped and ready to receive the Law, which will define them as a nation.
God's initiative: God is leading them to this location for a specific purpose.
This verse is a simple statement, but it sets the stage for one of the most important events in the Old Testament – the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. It represents a turning point in the Israelites' journey from slavery to becoming a nation under God's covenant.