In the third month after the Children of Israel had left Egypt, they arrived near Mount Sinai, and encamped at the foot of the mountain.In the third month after the Children of Israel had left Egypt, they arrived near Mount Sinai, and encamped at the foot of the mountain.
God called Moses and said to him. "Go and prepare the people. On the third day I will appear before them."
In the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud appeared on the mountain. A trumpet sounded loudly.
The Israelites trembled with fear. Moses brought them out of their camp to the foot of Mount Sinai, which shook violently and smoked like a furnace. The trumpet blew louder and louder. Then God began to speak from the cloud.
The fear of the Israelites increased. Drawing back from the mountain, they begged Moses, "Let not God speak to us, lest we die."
"Do not be afraid," said Moses. "God shows Himself to you in order that you may fear Him. Then you will not fall into sin."
Moses then went up Mount Sinai to speak with God.
On Mount Sinai God spoke and said:
"I am the Lord thy God, Who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.
"Thou shalt not have strange gods before me.
"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
"Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath day.
"Honor thy father and thy mother.
"Thou shalt not kill.
"Thou shalt not commit adultery.
"Thou shalt not steal.
"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife.
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's goods."
These are what we today call the Ten Commandments.
From that time every year the Israelites celebrated the Feast of Pentecost in memory of the descent of God on Mount Sinai. We Christians celebrate the Feast of Pentecost in honor of the descent of the Holy Ghost on the Apostles.
- from My Bible History in Pictures, by Bishop Louis LaRavoire Morrow, D.D., 1934; it has the Imprimatur of Archbishop Michael J O'Doherty of Manila, Philippines