Moses’ Journeys Up Mount Sinai

Ras Safsafa

First AscensionTo Receive God’s Offer

of a CovenantExodus 19:3-8a

Covenant Offered Included 3 Common Elements

1. What God had done for Israel

2. What God would expect of Israel.

3. What God would do in the future.

Mark 16:16

Second AscensionExodus 19:8b-15

Returning Israel’s Answer

God spoke before Moses did, stating that He would come down and speak to the people.

“All that the Lord has spoken, we will do.”

God gave strict instructions regarding the preparation to be made.

Thunder, lightning, thick cloud, trumpet, fire and smoke, earthquake.

And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.” (Hebrews 12:21)

Third AscensionExodus 19:16-25

Called by God to come up.

Moses did not consider it necessary.

To warn the people not to come near the Mountain

God abruptly ordered Moses to do as He had said.

Special warning to “priests”.

God spoke the Ten Commandments Audibly18 Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking;

and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off. 19

Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” (Ex. 20:18-19)

Fourth AscensionExodus 20:21—23:33

Moses went up and received God’s law. Came back and spoke the law orally (24:3).

The people again agreed to be obedient (24:3). Moses wrote “The Book of the Covenant.”

Sprinkled book and people with animal blood.

MOSES, THE MEDIATOR Gal. 3:19; Deut. 5:5

He read it and again the people committed to it

Fifth AscensionExodus 24:9—32:18

Partway up with Priests and elders to see a vision of God and eat and drink

Received instructions for the tabernacle. Received Commandments on Stone Tables

Forty Days on the Mount

Was informed of the idolatry in the valley and told of God’s intention to destroy Israel

Interceded for the people (32:9-14)

What Moses would have seen descending from Ras Safsafa

Sixth AscensionExodus 32:30–33:3

“I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make

atonement for your sin.”

Moses confesses their great sin (32:31)Asks to be rejected himself if Israel not forgiven.God revised His promise to Israel (33:14)The people show repentance and God relents.

Moses asks to see God’s glory (33:18)

Uncertain whether on the mountain or in a “tent of meeting.” (Ex. 33:7-11)

Seventh AscensionExodus 34:4-35

Moses prepares tablets for God to write on.Moses has a remarkable revelation of God. God had promised to proclaim His name Instead, describes His goodness and severityGod renews the covenant and writes on tablets

Moses returns with shining face (34:29-33).

Another forty day visit with God

Moses ChristMediator of Old Covenant Mediator of Better Covenant

Urged preparing to meet God Matthew 5:8; 22:11-14

Spoke God’s words to people John 17:8; Hebrews 1:1-2

Sealed cov. with animal blood Hebrews 9:16-28)

Celebrated cov. with feast Luke 22:20

Received plans for tabernacle Hebrews 8:2

Offer to be rejected for people 1 Peter 2:24

Interceded repeatedly. Hebrews 7:25

Reflected God’s glory in face John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:6