The Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 19:22

The Pulpit Commentary · Joseph S. Exell and contributors · Public domain

Let the priests also. It has been objected, that no priests had been as yet appointed, and that we have here therefore an anachronism. But every nation in ancient times had priests, appointed on one principle or another: and the Levitical priesthood must be regarded as having superseded one previously existent, not as the first priesthood known to Israel.

We have a second mention of priests, previous to the appointment of Aaron's sons to the office (in Exodus 24:5), which confirms the present passage. Sanctify themselves. The verb used is identical with that which occurs in Exodus 19:10; and there is no reason to believe that any different sanctification was intended.

The natural inference is that the priests had neglected to sanctify themselves. (See the introductory paragraph.) Lest the Lord break forth. Compare 2 Samuel 6:8, where we have an instance of such a "breaking forth" upon Uzzah.

More for Exodus 19:22

Continue with other commentaries and DiscipleDeck content connected to this verse, chapter, or topic.

Other commentaries

commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 19:7-25The revelation of Jehovah. I. WHAT IS DEMANDED ERE THE REVELATION CAN BE IMPARTED. 1. The will must be surrendered to God, "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do" (Exodus 19:8). 2. The filthiness of the past must be…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 19:9-25The manifestation of God's glory at Sinai. I. THE PURPOSE OF THIS MANIFESTATION. God made this purpose known beforehand; and it was that the people who saw and heard these dreadful phenomena might believe Moses for ever…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 19:10-25The mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire (Hebrews 12:18). It is interesting to observe that, with the latter part of this chapter, we enter on an entirely new phase in the history of God's revelation o…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryMatthew Henry on Exodus 19:16-25Never was there such a sermon preached, before or since, as this which was preached to the church in the wilderness. It might be supposed that the terrors would have checked presumption and curiosity in the people; but…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Divine Presence on Mount Sinai. (b. c. 1491.)THE DIVINE PRESENCE ON MOUNT SINAI. (B. C. 1491.) Now, at length, comes that memorable day, that terrible day of the Lord, that day of judgment, in which Israel heard the voice of the Lord God speaking to them out of th…Matthew Henry commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 19:21-25EXPOSITION The further warning to the people and the priests. It is very remarkable that, after all the directions given (Exodus 19:10-13), and all the pains taken by Moses and the Israelites themselves (Exodus 19:14, E…Joseph S. Exell and contributors commentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Exodus 19:22-24The priestly office does not dispense a man from personal purity, but obliges him the more to it. Holiness of office, of profession, of function is too often regarded as if it secured, by some occult power, the personal…Joseph S. Exell and contributors