What is the setting of Exodus 19 relative to the giving of the Law?
Exodus 19 is set after Israel's exodus from Egypt under Moses, while they are gathered around Mount Sinai as a newly formed nation. The Law and Ten Commandments have not yet been given; they come in the next chapter, followed by the Law's other ramifications.
Les explains that Exodus 19 finds the children of Israel just recently out of Egypt under Moses, now a nation of people gathered around Mount Sinai. At this point the Law has not yet been given; in the next chapter they will receive the Law and the Ten Commandments, and then all the other ramifications of the Law will follow. God is telling Moses what to tell the children of Israel. In verse 5, God sets before them a conditional word: if they obey His voice and keep His covenant, they will be a peculiar treasure above all people. Les notes this is God setting Israel aside above all other nations, making them the chosen people, favored nation, and covenant people for a unique role in His overall program for the human race.