Exodus 19:14
And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֧רֶד
went down
H3381
וַיֵּ֧רֶד
went down
Strong's:
H3381
Word #:
1 of 11
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
מִן
H4480
מִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
הָהָ֖ר
from the mount
H2022
הָהָ֖ר
from the mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
4 of 11
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
הָעָ֔ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
6 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וַיְקַדֵּשׁ֙
and sanctified
H6942
וַיְקַדֵּשׁ֙
and sanctified
Strong's:
H6942
Word #:
7 of 11
to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הָעָ֔ם
the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
9 of 11
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
Historical Context
Moses' mediatorial role is unique in the ancient world—he's neither king nor priest yet functions as prophet, mediator, and lawgiver. His person prefigures Christ who perfectly combines all three offices.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' movement between God and people illustrate the nature of mediation?
- In what ways does sanctification involve both divine action and human response?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.
Moses descends to consecrate—the mediator applies God's requirements to the people. His back-and-forth movement (up to God, down to people) dramatizes mediation: he brings God's words down and carries people's needs up. 'Sanctified the people' (וַיְקַדֵּשׁ, vayqaddesh) shows mediated holiness—Moses, having been with God, makes others holy through transmitted instruction. The people's clothes-washing obeys verse 10's command—they participate in their own consecration. Sanctification involves both divine initiative (Moses sanctifies them) and human response (they wash). The pattern holds: God provides grace, we respond in obedience.