EGW SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1

Chapter 19

3. Ancient Instruction to Be Studied—The instructions given to Moses for ancient Israel, with their sharp, rigid outlines, are to be studied and obeyed by the people of God today (Letter 259, 1903). 1BC 1103.4

Moses and God in Secret Council—Moses, the visible leader of the Israelites, was admitted into the secret councils of the Most High. The people were given evidence that Moses did indeed talk with God, receiving from Him the instruction given them (Letter 259, 1903). 1BC 1103.5

3-8. God's Covenant Our Refuge—The covenant that God made with His people at Sinai is to be our refuge and defense. The Lord said to Moses:— 1BC 1103.6

“Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, than ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: and ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation.” 1BC 1103.7

“And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words.” 1BC 1103.8

“And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do.” 1BC 1103.9

This covenant is of just as much force today as it was when the Lord made it with ancient Israel (The Southern Watchman, March 1, 1904). 1BC 1103.10

7, 8 (quoted) (Isaiah 56:5). A Pledge to the Covenant—This is the pledge that God's people are to make in these last days. Their acceptance with God depends on a faithful fulfilment of the terms of their agreement with Him. God includes in His covenant all who will obey Him. To all who will do justice and judgment, keeping their hand from doing any evil, the promise is, “Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off” (The Review and Herald, June 23, 1904). 1BC 1103.11

9. Glory of Cloud Emanated From Christ—The cloud that guided Israel, stood over the tabernacle. The glory of the cloud emanated from Jesus Christ, who from the midst of the glory talked with Moses, as He had talked with him from the burning bush. The brightness of God's presence was enshrouded in the darkness of the cloud which He made His pavilion, that the people could endure to look upon the cloud, as seeing Him who is invisible. This was God's plan whereby He might approach man (Manuscript 126, 1901). 1BC 1103.12