New International Version (NIV)
I. THE GEOGRAPHICAL SETTING FOR THE COVENANT (Exodus 19:1-2)
1. On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai.
2. After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.
II.THE NATURE OF THE COVENANT (Exodus 19:3-6)
3. Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel:
4. ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.
5. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine,
6. you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”
III. THE RATIFICATION OF THE COVENANT (Exodus 24:3-8)
3. When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the Lord has said we will do.”
4. Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
5. Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord.
6. Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he splashed against the altar.
7. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.”
8. Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”