Exodus 20:18-21

18 Und alles Volk sah den Donner und Blitz und den Ton der Posaune und den Berg rauchen. Da sie aber solches sahen, flohen sie und traten von ferne

19 und sprachen zu Mose: Rede du mit uns, wir wollen gehorchen; und laß Gott nicht mit uns reden, wir möchten sonst sterben.

20 Mose aber sprach zum Volk: Fürchtet euch nicht; denn Gott ist gekommen, daß er euch versuchte und daß seine Furcht euch vor Augen wäre, daß ihr nicht sündigt.

21 Also trat das Volk von ferne; aber Mose machte sich hinzu in das Dunkel, darin Gott war.

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.