19 This chapter introduces the giving of the law upon Mount Sinai, which was one of the most sensible appearances of the divine glory that ever was in this lower world. Here are,

1. The circumstances of time and place, Exo 19:1-2.
   
2. The covenant between God and Israel settled in general. The gracious proposal God made to them, Exo 19:3-6.
   And their consent to the proposal, Exo 19:7-8.
   
3. Notice given three days before of God's design to give the law out of a thick cloud, Exo 19:9.
   Orders given to prepare the people to receive the law, Exo 19:10-13.
   and care taken to execute those orders, Exo 19:14-15.
   
4. A terrible appearance of God's glory, Exo 19:16-20.
   
5. Silence proclaimed, and strict charge given to the people to observe a decorum while God spake to them, Exo 19:20-25.
   

19:1 In the third month after they came out of Egypt. It is computed that the law was given just fifty days after their coming out of Egypt, in remembrance of which the feast of Pentecost was observed the fiftieth day after the passover, and in compliance with which the spirit was poured out upon the apostles, at the feast of Pentecost, fifty days after the death of Christ. Mount Sinai was a place which nature, not art, had made conspicuous, for it was the highest in all that range of mountains. Thus God put contempt upon cities and palaces, setting up his pavilion on the top of a mountain, in a barren desert. It is called Sinai, from the multitude of thorny bushes that over - spread it.

13 

13:11 To you, who have, it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven - The deep things which flesh and blood cannot reveal, pertaining to the inward, present kingdom of heaven.But to them who have not, it is not given - Therefore speak I in parables, that ye may understand, while they do not understand.

13:12 Whosoever hath - That is, improves what he hath, uses the grace given according to the design of the giver; to him shall be given - More and more, in proportion to that improvement. But whosoeverhath not - Improves it not, from him shall be taken even what he hath - Here is the grand rule of God's dealing with the children of men: a rule fixed as the pillars of heaven. This is the key to all his providential dispensations; as will appear to men and angels in that day. Mat 25:29; Mar 4:25; Luk 8:18; Luk 19:26.

13:13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing, they see not - In pursuance of this general rule, I do not give more knowledge to this people, be. cause they use not that which they have already: having all the means of seeing, hearing, and understanding, they use none of them: they do not effectually see, or hear, or understand any thing.

13:14 Hearing ye will hear, but in nowise understand - That is, Ye will surely hear. All possible means will be given you: yet they will profit you nothing; because your heart is sensual, stupid, and insensible; your spiritual senses are shut up; yea, you have closed your eyes against the light; as being unwilling to understand the things of God, and afraid, not desirous that he should heal you. Isa 6:9; Joh 12:40; Act 28:26.

13:16 But blessed are your eyes - For you both see and understand.You know how to prize the light which is given you. Luk 10:23.