When the Israelites reached Mount Sinai and set up camp at the foot of the mountain, Moses went alone up the mountain. He had brought his people to the mountain of God (Exodus 3: 12) and he now waited for the divine revelation which was to bring his whole community into the service of God, not just himself as God's prophet. God's plan for his people is set out in verses 3 to 6: 'The Lord called to him from the mountain and told him to say to the Israelites, Jacob's descendants, "You saw what/, the LORD, did to the Egyptians and how I carried you here to me. Now, if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own people. The whole earth is mine, but you will be my chosen people, a people dedicated to me alone, and you will serve me as priests. " ,

In this important statement of Israel's election by God to his service, we find ideas for which we have already been prepared by the story of Abraham.

(i) God has revealed his character to the Israelites through his activity in their experience. It is his power and care which have brought them to the holy mountain and freed them from the oppression of Egypt.

(ii) His choice of them has nothing to do with any obvious superiority in them, as people; in fact, see against their historical background, they appear as an insignificant, wandering minority. God requires of the Israelites what he required of Abraham-faith and obedience. If they obey him, in faith, he will use them in his divine plan.

(iii) There will be a personal, covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, as a people, as there was with God and Abraham. God takes the initiative in revealing himself to those he has chosen to serve him. Now that Israel knows who her God is, a personal relationship with him can be formed.

(iv) God is the Lord of all the earth and Israel will have to learn the meaning of monotheism whilst living alongside polytheistic neighbours.

(v) Israel's election and covenant relationship with God place her in a situation of great moral responsibility. A people dedicated to serve God as priests must live its whole life in a way pleasing to God.

We must, however, note the conditional expression of this sentence: 'Now, if you will obey me and keep my .covenant, you will be my own people.' God has chosen this people to take a great part in his divine plan for the world, but if they reject their election and calling to serve him, and disobey, they will cease to be God's people. The implication in the sentence is that God is under no obligation to continue in a covenant relationship with people who have rejected their relationship with him. In fact, if one side in a covenant relationship breaks the promises made, the relationship no longer exists effectively.