First ReadingExodus 19:1-2, 9-11, 16-20*
From the Book of Exodus
1In the third month after the children of Israel had gone out of the land of Egypt,on that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.2When they had departed from Rephidim,and had come to the wilderness of Sinai,they encamped in the wilderness;and there Israel encamped before the mountain. verses 3–8 are not read9The Lord said to Moses,“Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud,that the people may hear when I speak with you,and may also believe you forever.”Moses told the words of the people to the Lord.10The Lord said to Moses,“Go to the people,and sanctify them today and tomorrow,and let them wash their garments,11and be ready for the third day;for on the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai.
verses 12–15 are not read16On the third day, when it was morning,there were thunders and lightnings,and a thick cloud on the mountain,and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet;and all the people who were in the camp trembled.17Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God;and they stood at the lower part of the mountain.18All of Mount Sinai smoked,because the Lord descended on it in fire;and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace,and the whole mountain quaked greatly.19When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder,Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice.20The Lord came down on Mount Sinai,to the top of the mountain.The Lord called Moses to the top of the mountain,and Moses went up.