1 On the third new moon after the people of Israel had gone forth out of the land of Egypt, on that day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.
2 And when they set out from Rephidim and came into the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain.
3 And Moses went up to the gods, and YHVH called to him out of the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the people of Israel:
4 You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.
5 Now therefore, if you will obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my own possession among all peoples; for all the earth is mine,
6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."
The number three indicates the third degree of spiritual development. The higher thoughts, the Israelites, are approaching spiritual illumination. Going up the mountain means that he is going to a very high level of
spiritual consciousness. It is only at this level and only after union with our feminine or heart side, that our higher mind can communicate with YHVH. The eagle's wings reflect the spiritual attainment which led the consciousness out of Egypt, carnality and materialism.
7 So Moses came and called the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which YHVH had commanded him.
8 And all the people answered together and said, "All that YHVH has spoken we will do." And Moses reported the words of the people to YHVH.
The message which YHVH gives to the higher consciousness (Moses) for the entire being (the Israelites) is that if it is true to its highest spiritual development then it will be in touch with all the special blessings of that level of consciousness. But, implied is the truth that, even at this level, temptations will come. The higher thoughts, the Israelites, agreed.
9 And YHVH said to Moses, "Lo, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you for ever." Then Moses told the words of the people to YHVH.
10 And YHVH said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments,
11 and be ready by the third day; for on the third day, YHVH will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.
12 And you shall set bounds for the people round about, saying, 'Take heed that you do not go up into the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death;
13 no hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.' When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain."
Reference is again made to the number three, indicating the three degrees of spiritual illumination. This passage indicates the necessity for careful preparation and the importance of not trying to attain face to face contact with the Divine unless carefully prepared.
14 So Moses went down from the mountain to the people, and consecrated the people; and they washed their garments.
15 And he said to the people, "Be ready by the third day; do not go near a woman."
16 On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled.
17 Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet the gods; and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain.
18 And Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because YHVH descended upon it in fire; and the smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.
19 And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and the gods answered him in thunder.
20 And YHVH came down upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain; and YHVH called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
21 And YHVH said to Moses, "Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to YHVH to gaze and many of them perish.
22 And also let the priests who come near to YHVH consecrate themselves, lest YHVH break out upon them."
23 And Moses said to YHVH, "The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai; for thou thyself didst charge us, saying, 'Set bounds about the mountain, and consecrate it.'"
24 And YHVH said to him, "Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you; but do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to YHVH, lest he break out against them."
As usual in the Bible, YHVH appears in fire. This is the experience of almost all who have had this experience. This is a description of Illumination. From this illumination came the ten commandments the beginning of ethical standards.
25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.