Exodus 20:22

Instructions about worship

22 The LORD said to Moses: "Say this to the Israelites: You saw for yourselves how I spoke with you from heaven.

Exodus 20:22 Meaning and Commentary

Exodus 20:22

And the Lord said unto Moses
When Moses was come near the thick darkness where God was:

thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel;
at his return unto them, and which he was to deliver in the name of God, and as his words:

ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven;
descending from heaven on Mount Sinai in a cloud and fire, he talked with them out of the cloud and fire, and delivered to them with an audible voice the above ten commands; the cloud and fire they saw with their eyes, and the words expressed from thence they heard with their ears; or heaven may mean the air on the top of Sinai, from whence Jehovah spoke.

Exodus 20:22 In-Context

20 Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid, because God has come only to test you and to make sure you are always in awe of God so that you don't sin."

21 The people stood at a distance while Moses approached the thick darkness in which God was present.

22 The LORD said to Moses: "Say this to the Israelites: You saw for yourselves how I spoke with you from heaven.

23 Don't make alongside me gods of silver or gold for yourselves.

24 Make for me an altar from fertile soil on which to sacrifice your entirely burned offerings, your well-being sacrifices, your sheep, and your oxen. I will come to you and bless you in every place where I make sure my name is remembered.