1 The Israelites reached the desert of Sinai in the third month of their trip from Egypt.
2 They had traveled from Rephidim to the Sinai desert. The Israelites camped in the desert near Mount Sinai.
3 Then Moses climbed up the mountain to meet with God. The Lord spoke to him on the mountain and said, “Tell this to the Israelites, the great family of Jacob:
4 ‘You people saw what I did to the people of Egypt. You saw that I carried you out of Egypt like an eagle and brought you here to me.
5 So now I tell you to obey my commands and keep my agreement. So if you do this, you will be my own special people. The whole world belongs to me, but I am choosing you to be my own special people.
6 You will be a special nation—a kingdom of priests.’ Moses, you must tell the Israelites what I have said.”