Exodus 20:18-21

18 All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the shofar, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance.

19 They said to Moshe, "Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don't let God speak with us, lest we die."

20 Moshe said to the people, "Don't be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won't sin."

21 The people stayed at a distance, and Moshe drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

Exodus 20:18-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 20

In this chapter we have an account of the giving of the law on Mount Sinai; the preface to it, Ex 20:1,2, the ten commandments it consists of, Ex 20:8-17, the circumstances attending it, which caused the people to remove at some distance, Ex 20:18, when they desired of Moses, that he would speak to them and not God, who bid them not fear, since this was for the trial of them; but still they kept at a distance, while Moses drew nigh to God, Ex 20:19-21 who ordered him to caution the children of Israel against idolatry, and directed what sort of an altar he would have made whereon to offer their sacrifices, promising that where his name was recorded he would grant his presence and blessing, Ex 20:22-26.