Exodus 19:16

KJV

¶ And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that [was] in the camp trembled.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the third {H7992} day {H3117} in the morning {H1242}, that there were thunders {H6963} and lightnings {H1300}, and a thick {H3515} cloud {H6051} upon the mount {H2022}, and the voice {H6963} of the trumpet {H7782} exceeding {H3966} loud {H2389}; so that all the people {H5971} that was in the camp {H4264} trembled {H2729}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the morning of the third day, there was thunder, lightning and a thick cloud on the mountain. Then a shofar blast sounded so loudly that all the people in the camp trembled.

Berean Standard Bible

On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of a trumpet exceeding loud; and all the people that were in the camp trembled.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 19:16 powerfully depicts the dramatic and awe-inspiring manifestation of God's presence at Mount Sinai, serving as a foundational prelude to the giving of the Law. This verse vividly describes the sensory phenomena—thunders, lightnings, a thick cloud upon the mountain, and an exceedingly loud trumpet blast—that enveloped the sacred peak, culminating in the profound trembling of the entire Israelite camp. This divine display was meticulously orchestrated to impress upon the newly liberated people the absolute holiness, transcendent power, and unapproachable majesty of their Creator, thereby underscoring the solemnity and divine authority of the covenant they were about to enter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 19:16 marks the climactic moment in a meticulously orchestrated divine encounter, following a period of intense preparation. The preceding verses detail Israel's arrival at the wilderness of Sinai in the third month after their departure from Egypt, where they encamped before the mountain, setting the stage for this pivotal event ([Exodus 19:1-2](/exodus/19-1-2 "Israel Arrives at Sinai")). God then summoned Moses up the mountain, declaring His intention to make Israel a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" if they would faithfully obey His voice and keep His covenant ([Exodus 19:3-6](/exodus/19-3-6 "God's Covenant Proposal to Israel")). After the people collectively affirmed their willingness to obey, God instructed Moses to consecrate them for two days, establishing strict boundaries around the mountain, warning that anyone who touched its base would surely die ([Exodus 19:10-13](/exodus/19-10-13 "Consecration and Boundaries at Sinai")). Verse 16 describes the dawn of the third day, the divinely appointed time for God's descent, representing the culmination of this period of anticipation and a profound shift in Israel's relationship with Yahweh.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events at Mount Sinai represent a foundational moment in the history of Israel, transforming a disparate collection of freed slaves into a unified covenant nation. Having been miraculously delivered from Egyptian bondage through the [Passover](/exodus/12 "Exodus 12 - The First Passover") and the [crossing of the Red Sea](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - The Crossing of the Red Sea"), and sustained by divine provision in the wilderness through [manna and water from the rock](/exodus/16-17 "Exodus 16-17 - Manna and Water in the Wilderness"), the Israelites arrived at Sinai poised to receive their national constitution directly from God. In the ancient Near East, the giving of laws often involved a dramatic display of the deity's power to legitimize the laws' authority. However, the Sinai theophany far surpassed any human or pagan parallel, emphasizing the unique, transcendent, and holy nature of Yahweh. The entire spectacle was designed to instill a profound sense of reverential fear, ensuring that the people understood the absolute authority and non-negotiable demands of the Law they were about to receive, which would govern their lives as God's chosen people.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 19:16 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It profoundly establishes the **holiness and transcendence of God**, demonstrating that Yahweh is utterly distinct from His creation and cannot be approached casually. This manifestation underscores the theme of **divine revelation**, showing God actively communicating His will to humanity, not through intermediaries alone, but directly and powerfully. The trembling of the people highlights the theme of **reverential fear and awe**, a necessary posture for humanity in the presence of divine majesty, preparing them to receive the **Law as a covenant of life and order**. This dramatic scene also sets a precedent for **God's covenant faithfulness**, as He draws near to His people to formalize the relationship initiated by their deliverance from Egypt, promising to make them a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" if they obey His voice, as articulated in [Exodus 19:6](/exodus/19-6 "Exodus 19:6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation"). The contrast between God's awesome presence and the people's trembling foreshadows the need for a mediator, a theme that will be fully developed later in the biblical narrative, particularly in the New Testament's understanding of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Cloud (Hebrew, _‘ânân'_):** (H6051) From a root meaning to cover, this term refers to a cloud as covering the sky, specifically a nimbus or thunder-cloud. In [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - God's Manifestation at Sinai"), the "thick cloud" symbolizes God's veiled presence. It signifies His immanence (His presence among His people) while simultaneously emphasizing His transcendence (His unapproachable holiness and mystery). The cloud serves as a visual barrier, allowing a glimpse of His power without fully revealing His consuming glory, protecting the people from direct exposure to His full majesty.
* **Trumpet (Hebrew, _shôwphâr'_):** (H7782) This word refers to a cornet or curved horn, typically a ram's horn, used in ancient Israel for signaling, assembly calls, and sacred occasions. Here, the "voice of the trumpet" is not a human-blown instrument but a divine, supernatural sound, described as "exceeding loud." It functions as a powerful, unmistakable summons, announcing the immediate arrival of God and demanding absolute attention and reverence from the entire assembly. Its piercing sound underscores the gravity and urgency of the divine revelation, marking the solemn commencement of the covenant ceremony.
* **Trembled (Hebrew, _chârad'_):** (H2729) A primitive root meaning to shudder with terror, to fear, or to hasten with anxiety. This word conveys a deep, visceral reaction of fear and awe, extending beyond mere physical shaking to an emotional and spiritual response to an overwhelming, holy presence. The trembling signifies the people's profound recognition of God's immense power, their own utter smallness, and their vulnerability before Him. This posture of reverential fear was a necessary prerequisite for receiving His holy Law, acknowledging His absolute authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass on the third day in the morning":** This precise temporal marker highlights the culmination of the three-day period of consecration and anticipation commanded by God, as detailed in [Exodus 19:11](/exodus/19-11 "Exodus 19:11 - God's Command to Prepare for the Third Day"). The "morning" signifies a new beginning and the divinely appointed time for the momentous divine encounter, emphasizing God's punctuality and the orderly, deliberate nature of His revelation. It underscores the sacredness of the timing.
* **"that there were thunders and lightnings":** These meteorological phenomena are common biblical imagery associated with divine power, judgment, and theophany. They evoke a sense of raw, untamed power and majesty, serving as an audible and visible demonstration of God's awesome might. These elements literally and figuratively shake the very foundations of the earth and the people's perceptions, signaling the overwhelming presence of the Almighty.
* **"and a thick cloud upon the mount":** This element signifies God's mysterious and veiled presence. The cloud both conceals and reveals: it indicates that God is present, yet His full glory is too overwhelming for human sight. It underscores His transcendence and the sacred, unapproachable nature of the mountain, which served as His temporary dwelling place, setting it apart as holy ground.
* **"and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud":** This is a supernatural sound, distinct from any human instrument, serving as a divine alarm or summons. Its "exceeding loud" nature ensures that every person in the camp hears it, emphasizing the universal scope of God's address to His people and demanding their undivided attention and submission. It is a powerful, undeniable announcement of God's descent.
* **"so that all the people that [was] in the camp trembled":** This clause describes the immediate, universal, and involuntary response of the Israelites. Their trembling is a natural, visceral reaction to the terrifying and overwhelming display of divine power and holiness. It signifies a profound sense of reverential fear and awe, preparing their hearts to receive the solemn and weighty commandments of God, acknowledging His supreme authority and their own creaturely status.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 19:16 is rich in **Theophany**, the visible and audible manifestation of God. The description of "thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud" constitutes a classic example, engaging multiple senses to convey the overwhelming reality of God's presence. This theophany employs vivid **Sensory Imagery**, creating an immersive experience for the reader, mirroring the profound experience of the Israelites. The "thick cloud" functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing both the mystery and majesty of God, veiling His full glory while simultaneously indicating His presence. The "voice of the trumpet" is also **Symbolic**, acting as a divine summons and an announcement of profound, cosmic significance. The trembling of the people is an example of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis**, conveying the extreme and universal fear and awe that gripped the entire camp, underscoring the immense power and holiness of the divine encounter and the profound impact it had on the human observers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 19:16 profoundly establishes the absolute holiness and transcendent majesty of God, revealing Him as an unapproachable and awe-inspiring deity who demands utter reverence and obedience. The dramatic display at Sinai was not merely for show but served to impress upon Israel the gravity of the covenant they were entering and the divine authority of the Law they were about to receive. It underscored that God's Word is not human opinion but divine revelation, requiring a response of reverential fear and submission. This foundational encounter shaped Israel's understanding of God's character and the seriousness of their relationship with Him, teaching them that while God draws near, He remains utterly distinct and holy, a consuming fire.

* [Psalm 2:11](/psalm/2-11 "Psalm 2:11 - Serve the Lord with Fear")
* [Hebrews 12:18-21](/hebrews/12-18-21 "Hebrews 12:18-21 - The Terrifying Mount Sinai")
* [Revelation 1:7](/revelation/1-7 "Revelation 1:7 - Christ's Return with Clouds")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene at Mount Sinai in Exodus 19:16 serves as a powerful reminder of God's unchanging nature: He is holy, majestic, and utterly transcendent. While we, as New Covenant believers, approach God not through the terrifying display of Sinai but through the grace and mediation of Jesus Christ, the awe and reverence due to Him remain paramount. This verse calls us to consider the seriousness with which we should approach God's Word and His presence. It teaches us that true worship begins with a profound respect for His holiness, recognizing that He is not merely a friend but the sovereign Lord of the universe. Our access through Christ does not diminish His majesty but rather highlights the incredible privilege of drawing near to such a God. We are invited into intimacy, but always with a humble heart that acknowledges His supreme authority and glory, understanding that the God who thundered from Sinai is the same God who offers salvation through His Son.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of God's manifestation at Sinai challenge or confirm your understanding of God's character?**
* **In what ways might a healthy "trembling" or reverential awe for God be missing in contemporary Christian worship or personal devotion?**
* **How does understanding the seriousness of God's revelation at Sinai impact your approach to studying and obeying His Word today?**

### FAQ
**Why did God manifest Himself in such a terrifying way at Mount Sinai?**

Answer: God's terrifying manifestation at Mount Sinai was intentional and multifaceted. First, it was to demonstrate His absolute holiness and immense power, distinguishing Him from any human or pagan deity. The thunders, lightnings, and trumpet blast were a **theophany**, a visible and audible display designed to instill a profound sense of reverential fear (awe and respect, not just terror) in the Israelites. This fear was essential for them to grasp the gravity and authority of the covenant and the Law they were about to receive. It ensured that they understood the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of God's commandments, setting a clear boundary between the Creator and His creation and emphasizing the seriousness of their commitment to Him. This dramatic display also served to underscore the consequences of disobedience, preparing them for the solemn responsibilities of being God's chosen people and establishing the foundational understanding of God's character for generations to come.

**What is the significance of "the third day" in this context?**

Answer: The "third day" is highly significant in biblical narrative, often marking a pivotal moment of divine intervention, resurrection, or revelation. In [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Covenant at Sinai"), God specifically commanded Moses to prepare the people over two days, stating that "on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people" ([Exodus 19:11](/exodus/19-11 "Exodus 19:11 - God's Command to Prepare")). This period of waiting and consecration built anticipation and underscored the sacredness of the impending encounter. The "third day" thus marks the divinely appointed time for a climactic revelation, emphasizing God's sovereignty, His deliberate timing, and the importance of human preparation and sanctification before encountering His holy presence. It sets a pattern for future divine actions, including the resurrection of Christ on the third day ([1 Corinthians 15:4](/1_corinthians/15-4 "1 Corinthians 15:4 - Christ's Resurrection on the Third Day")), highlighting a divine pattern of climactic revelation and new beginnings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The terrifying display at Mount Sinai, as described in [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - God's Manifestation at Sinai"), serves as a profound backdrop against which the glory and grace of the New Covenant in Christ shine even brighter. While Sinai showcased God's unapproachable holiness and the demands of His Law, it also foreshadowed the ultimate mediator. The author of Hebrews masterfully contrasts the Old Covenant's fear-inducing manifestation with the New Covenant's invitation to draw near, stating, "For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and to a blazing fire and to darkness and gloom and a whirlwind, and to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of words which sound was such that those who heard begged that no further word be spoken to them" ([Hebrews 12:18-19](/hebrews/12-18-19 "Hebrews 12:18-19 - The Terrifying Mount Sinai")). Instead, believers in Christ have come "to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel" ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - The Superiority of Mount Zion and the New Covenant")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly fulfilled the Law and, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, removed the barrier of sin that separated humanity from a holy God. He is our High Priest who enables us to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Drawing Near to the Throne of Grace")). Thus, the trembling at Sinai gives way to confident access and intimate fellowship through the finished work of Christ, who is the ultimate and most gracious revelation of God's character—holy yet merciful, just yet abundantly gracious.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 12:18

¶ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

Hebrews 12:19

And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

Hebrews 12:21

And so terrible was the sight, [that] Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

Revelation 4:1

¶ After this I looked, and, behold, a door [was] opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard [was] as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.

Psalms 18:11

He made darkness his secret place; his pavilion round about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the skies.

Psalms 18:14

Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

Revelation 8:5

And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast [it] into the earth: and there were voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake.