Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 19:17
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus
Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
To encounter or meet someone or something, either by accident or on purpose, as seen in the story of Joseph meeting his brothers in Genesis 37:23. This word can also mean to befall or happen to someone. It is used in various contexts, including friendly or hostile encounters.
Definition: 1) (BDB) to encounter, befall, meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to meet, encounter 1a2) to befall (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 98 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against (he come), help, meet, seek, [idiom] to, [idiom] in the way. See also: Genesis 14:17; 2 Samuel 10:9; Psalms 35:3.
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
This word refers to a camp or army, like the Israelites' encampments in the wilderness. It can also mean a group of people or animals. The KJV translates it as 'army, band, or camp'.
Definition: 1) encampment, camp 1a) camp, place of encampment 1b) camp of armed host, army camp 1c) those who encamp, company, body of people
Usage: Occurs in 190 OT verses. KJV: army, band, battle, camp, company, drove, host, tents. See also: Genesis 32:3; Joshua 6:18; Psalms 27:3.
To stand or place something firmly is what this word means, and it's used in the Bible to describe presenting oneself or standing firm in faith, as seen in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to place, set, stand, set or station oneself, present oneself 1a) (Hithpael) to station oneself, take one's stand, stand, present oneself, stand with someone Aramaic equivalent: ye.tsav (יְצַב "to know" H3321)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: present selves, remaining, resort, set (selves), (be able to, can, with-) stand (fast, forth, -ing, still, up). See also: Exodus 2:4; 1 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 2:2.
Tachtiy means lowermost or the lowest parts, and can also refer to the depths or a pit. It is used figuratively to describe something as low or inferior.
Definition: 1) low, lower, lowest 1a) lowest (as adj) 1b) the lower parts (subst)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: low (parts, -er, -er parts, -est), nether (part). See also: Genesis 6:16; Psalms 88:7; Psalms 63:10.
A mountain or hill, sometimes used to describe a spiritual high point. In the Bible, it can refer to a real mountain or a figurative one. The word is often translated as hill or mount.
Definition: : mount/hill hill, mountain, hill country, mount
Usage: Occurs in 486 OT verses. KJV: hill (country), mount(-ain), [idiom] promotion. See also: Genesis 7:19; Deuteronomy 3:12; Judges 18:13.
Context — The LORD Visits Sinai
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Deuteronomy 4:10 |
The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, “Gather the people before Me to hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth, and that they may teach them to their children.” |
| 2 |
Deuteronomy 5:5 |
At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. And He said: |
Exodus 19:17 Summary
In Exodus 19:17, Moses brings the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stand at the foot of the mountain, showing reverence and humility. This verse teaches us that we should approach God with a willingness to listen and learn, just like the people of Israel. As we read in Psalm 95:6, we should 'come before Him with thanksgiving' and humility, recognizing God's power and glory, as seen in the smoke and fire on Mount Sinai. By doing so, we can deepen our personal relationship with God and experience His presence in our lives, as promised in Jeremiah 29:13.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Moses bringing the people out of the camp to meet with God?
This act signifies the people's willingness to leave their comfort and familiar surroundings to encounter God, much like the Israelites' journey out of Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus, and the call to come out from the world in Second Corinthians 6:17.
Why did the people stand at the foot of the mountain?
The people stood at the foot of the mountain because it was a place of reverence and awe, where they could behold God's glory and power, as seen in the smoke and fire that enveloped Mount Sinai, similar to the divine presence in Isaiah 6:1-5.
What can we learn from the people's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of humility and reverence in our approach to God, as demonstrated by the people's willingness to stand at a distance and await God's revelation, much like the humility exhibited by the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 6:5.
How does this verse relate to our personal relationship with God?
This verse reminds us that, like the Israelites, we must be willing to leave our comfort zones and approach God with reverence and humility, as encouraged in Hebrews 12:28-29 and Psalm 95:6.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'come out' of my comfort zone to meet with God?
- How can I cultivate a sense of reverence and awe in my daily worship and prayer life?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate humility and willingness to listen to God's voice, like the people standing at the foot of the mountain?
- How can I apply the lesson of reverence and humility from this verse to my relationships with others and my community?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 19:17
And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp,.... Which was before the mountain and near it, when the above tokens were given of the divine Presence on it; as they were thrown into a panic upon
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 19:17
And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount. Moses brought forth the people.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 19:17
Therefore one part of the mount they might come to, though not to another, to wit, the higher; which may clear the difficulty and seeming contradiction betwixt ,13.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 19:17
Exodus 19:17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.Ver. 17. To meet with God.] Who "came with ten thousands of his saints," as Moses, that climbed up that hill, and alone saw it, says. And if he thus gave the law, how shall he require it at the last day
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 19:17
(17) Out of the camp.—An open space must have intervened between the camp and the “bounds.” Into this Moses led the representatives of the people, so bringing them as near to God as was permitted. At the nether part of the mount.—In the plain directly in front of the Ras Sufsafeh, and almost under it.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 19:17
Verse 17. And Moses brought forth the people - to meet with God] For though they might not touch the mount till they had permission, yet when the trumpet sounded long, it appears they might come up to the nether part of the mount, (see Exodus 19:13, and Deuteronomy 4:11); and when the trumpet had ceased to sound, they might then go up unto the mountain, as to any other place. It was absolutely necessary that God should give the people at large some particular evidence of his being and power, that they might be saved from idolatry, to which they were most deplorably prone; and that they might the more readily credit Moses, who was to be the constant mediator between God and them. God, therefore, in his indescribable majesty, descended on the mount; and, by the thick dark cloud, the violent thunders, the vivid lightnings, the long and loud blasts of the trumpet, the smoke encompassing the whole mountain, and the excessive earthquake, proclaimed his power, his glory, and his holiness; so that the people, however unfaithful and disobedient afterwards, never once doubted the Divine interference, or suspected Moses of any cheat or imposture. Indeed, so absolute and unequivocal were the proofs of supernatural agency, that it was impossible these appearances could be attributed to any cause but the unlimited power of the author of Nature. It is worthy of remark that the people were informed three days before, Exodus 19:9-11, that such an appearance was to take place; and this answered two excellent purposes: 1. They had time to sanctify and prepare themselves for this solemn transaction; and, 2. Those who might be skeptical had sufficient opportunity to make use of every precaution to prevent and detect an imposture; so this previous warning strongly serves the cause of Divine revelation. Their being at first prohibited from touching the mount on the most awful penalties, and secondly, being permitted to see manifestations of the Divine majesty, and hear the words of God, subserved the same great purposes. Their being prohibited in the first instance would naturally whet their curiosity, make them cautious of being deceived, and ultimately impress them with a due sense of God's justice and their own sinfulness; and their being permitted afterwards to go up to the mount, must have deepened the conviction that all was fair and real, that there could be no imposture in the case, and that though the justice and purity of God forbade them to draw nigh for a time, yet his mercy, which had prescribed the means of purification, had permitted an access to his presence.
The directions given from Exodus 19:10-15 inclusive show, not only the holiness of God, but the purity he requires in his worshippers. Besides, the whole scope and design of the chapter prove that no soul can possibly approach this holy and terrible Being but through a mediator; and this is the use made of this whole transaction by the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews, Hebrews 12:18-24.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 19:17
17. stood] better, took their stand.
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 19:17
Out of the camp - The encampment must have extended far and wide over the plain in front of the mountain. From one entrance of the plain to the other there is space for the whole host of the Israelites.
Sermons on Exodus 19:17
| Sermon | Description |
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(Revival) Revival Presupposes Declension - Part 2
by Michael L. Brown
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In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three steps that lead to the decline of the people of God. The first step is when the acts of God become only a memory, leading to skeptic |
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Anarchy in Worship or Recent Innovation Contrasted W/ Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (1875)
by James Begg
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In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the objection to symbolism in worship. He refers to Deuteronomy 4, where it is stated that God spoke to the people without any similitude or |
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(Men God Made) Moses
by Willie Mullan
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In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the life of Moses and his journey with God. He highlights how Moses initially felt inadequate and unsure of his ability to lead God's people |
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Knowing the Fear of the Lord
by Al Whittinghill
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In this sermon, the preacher discusses the awe and fear that comes when we realize who we are dealing with in God. He highlights a passage from Revelation 14 where an angel is seen |
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On Eagles' Wings Pt 69
by Don Courville
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In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and how he learned to trust and rely on God in the desert. The speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting on God and not |