"and they encamped in the desert": The Torah was given openly, in a public place. For if it were given in Eretz Yisrael, they could say to the nations of the world: You have no portion in it. But it was given openly, in a public place, and all who want to take it may come and take it.
They Encamped in the Desert the Torah Was Given
Mekhilta Tractate Bachodesh 1:18