The book of Exodus draws the reader’s attention to three major events. Like three mountains, the Exodus itself, the establishment of the covenant, and the building of the tabernacle-sanctuary rise above the foothills of lesser happenings. The establishment of the covenant, recorded in Exodus 19 through 24, was the Mount Everest of the three. A brief outline of Exodus 19 through 24 shows the sequence and the relationship of events.

 Even if you do not have the time to look up all the verses listed below, focus on the sequence of events:

 1. Israel’s arrival and encampment at Sinai after being delivered by the Lord (Exod. 19:1-2).

 2. God’s proposal of a covenant with Israel (Exod. 19:3-6).

 3. Israel’s response in acceptance of the covenant (Exod. 19:7-8).

 4. Preparations for formally receiving the covenant (Exod. 19:9-25).

 5. Proclamation of the Ten Commandments (Exod. 20:1-17).

 6. Moses as covenant mediator (Exod. 20:18-21).

 7. Covenant principles spelled out (Exod. 20:22 to Exod. 23:22).

 8. Ratification of the covenant (Exod. 24:1-18).

 This covenant plays a vital role in the plan of salvation. It is the fourth covenant listed in the Bible (preceded by the ones with Adam, Noah, and Abraham), and in it God reveals Himself more fully than before, particularly as the entire sanctuary ritual is established. Thus, the sanctuary becomes the means by which He shows the people the plan of salvation that they were to reveal to the world.

 Though the Lord had redeemed Israel from the bondage of Egypt, He wanted them to understand that redemption had a greater, more significant meaning than merely freedom from physical bondage. He wanted to redeem them from sin, the ultimate slavery, and this could happen only through the sacrifice of the Messiah, as taught in the types and symbols of the sanctuary service. It is no wonder, then, that not long after they were redeemed from bondage, and given the law, the Israelites were instructed to build the sanctuary and establish its services, for in these things God revealed to them the plan of redemption — which is the true meaning and purpose of the covenant. For the covenant is nothing if not a covenant of salvation, that the Lord offers to fallen humanity. That is what it was in Eden, and that is what it was at Sinai.