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Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 20:18–21. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
I.The extraordinary terror with which the law was given.
Never was any thing delivered with such awful pomp; every word was accented, and every sentence paused, with thunder and lightning, much louder and brighter, no doubt, than ordinary. And why was the law given in this dreadful manner, and with all this tremendous ceremony?
1.It was designed (once for all) to give a sensible discovery of the glorious majesty of God, for the assistance of our faith concerning it, that, knowing the terror of the Lord, we may be persuaded to live in his fear.
2.It was a specimen of the terrors of the general judgment, in which sinners will be called to an account for the breach of this law: the archangel's trumpet will then sound an alarm, to give notice of the Judge's coming, and a fire shall devour before him.
3.It was an indication of the terror of those convictions which the law brings into conscience, to prepare the soul for the comforts of the gospel. Thus was the law given by Moses in such a way as might startle, affright, and humble men, that the grace and truth which came by Jesus Christ might be the more welcome. The apostle largely describes this instance of the terror of that dispensation, as a foil to set off our privileges, as Christians, in the light, liberty, and joy, of the New Testament dispensation, Heb 12:18, etc.
II.The impression which this made, for the present, upon the people; they must have had stupid hearts indeed, if this had not affected them.
1.They removed, and stood afar off, Exo 20:18. Before God began to speak, they were thrusting forward to gaze (Exo 19:21); but now they were effectually cured of their presumption, and taught to keep their distance.
2.They entreated that the word should not be so spoken to them any more (Heb 12:19), but begged that God would speak to them by Moses, Exo 20:19. Hereby they obliged themselves to acquiesce in the mediation of Moses, they themselves nominating him as a fit person to deal between them and God, and promising to hearken to him as to God's messenger; hereby also they teach us to acquiesce in that method which Infinite Wisdom takes, of speaking to us by men like ourselves, whose terror shall not make us afraid, nor their hand be heavy upon us. Once God tried the expedient of speaking to the children of men immediately, but it was found that they could not bear it; it rather drove men from God than brought them to him, and, as it proved in the issue, though it terrified them, it did not deter them from idolatry, for soon after this they worshipped the golden calf. Let us therefore rest satisfied with the instructions given us by the scriptures and the ministry; for, if we believe not them, neither should we be persuaded though God should speak to us in thunder and lightning, as he did from Mount Sinai: here that matter was determined.
III.The encouragement Moses gave them, by explaining the design of God in his terror (Exo 20:20):
Fear not, that is, "Think not that the thunder and fire are designed to consume you," which was the thing they feared (Exo 20:19, lest we die); thunder and lightning constituted one of the plagues of Egypt, but Moses would not have them think they were sent to them on the same errand on which they were sent to the Egyptians: no, they were intended,
1.To prove them, to try how they would like dealing with God immediately, without a mediator, and so to convince them how admirably well God had chosen for them, in putting Moses into that office. Ever since Adam fled, upon hearing God's voice in the garden, sinful man could not bear either to speak to God or hear from him immediately.
2.To keep them to their duty, and prevent their sinning against God. He encourages them, saying, Fear not, and yet tells them that God thus spoke to them, that his fear might be before their face. We must not fear with amazement - with that fear which has torment, which only works upon the fancy for the present, sets us a trembling, genders to bondage, betrays us to Satan, and alienates us from God; but we must always have in our minds a reverence of God's majesty, a dread of his displeasure, and an obedient regard to his sovereign authority over us: this fear will quicken us to our duty and make us circumspect in our walking. Thus stand in awe, and sin not, Psa 4:4.
IV.The progress of their communion with God by the mediation of Moses, Exo 20:21.
While the people continued to stand afar off, conscious of guilt and afraid of God's wrath, Moses drew near unto the thick darkness; he was made to draw near, so the word is: Moses, of himself, durst not have ventured into the thick darkness, if God had not called him, and encouraged him, and, as some of the rabbies suppose, sent an angel to take him by the hand, and lead him up. Thus it is said of the great Mediator, I will cause him to draw near (Jer 30:21), and by him it is that we also are introduced, Eph 3:12.
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Summary
Exodus 20:18 vividly portrays the Israelites' profound and terrifying encounter with God at Mount Sinai immediately after the Ten Commandments were spoken. Overwhelmed by the raw, multi-sensory manifestation of divine power—thunderings, lightnings, the sound of a trumpet, and a smoking mountain—the people recoiled in fear, physically withdrawing and maintaining a significant distance. This visceral reaction underscores the immense holiness and unapproachable majesty of God's presence, highlighting the inherent chasm between a transcendent Deity and sinful humanity.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as a climactic culmination of God's direct revelation of the Law to Israel, immediately following the pronouncement of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. Having heard God's voice directly from the mountain, the people's reaction in this verse is one of overwhelming fear, leading directly to their plea for Moses to act as a mediator in Exodus 20:19. This pivotal moment transitions from direct divine address to mediated communication, profoundly shaping the nature of the covenant relationship going forward. The preceding chapters, particularly Exodus 19, meticulously establish the preparations for this encounter, including God's explicit instructions to Moses to set boundaries around the mountain, warning against any unauthorized approach on pain of death, thereby emphasizing the sacred and dangerous nature of God's presence.
Historical & Cultural Context
The scene at Mount Sinai is the foundational event for the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, marking Israel's formal adoption as God's chosen people and the giving of the Law that would govern their lives. This dramatic manifestation of God, known as a theophany, was designed to instill a profound sense of awe and reverence, impressing upon the Israelites the absolute sovereignty and holiness of the God with whom they were entering into covenant. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the presence of deities was often associated with powerful natural phenomena, but the Sinai event was uniquely intense and direct, signifying a personal and covenantal encounter. The people's reaction of "removing, and standing afar off" was not merely a spontaneous act of terror, but a recognition of the vast gulf between human sinfulness and divine purity, a theological truth frequently underscored throughout the Old Testament, as seen in Isaiah 6:5. This experience laid the groundwork for the priestly system and the tabernacle, which would provide a divinely ordained means for a holy God to dwell among His people while maintaining the necessary separation.
Key Themes
Exodus 20:18 powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of God's transcendent holiness and unapproachable majesty. The overwhelming display of power—thunder, lightning, trumpet, and smoke—underscores that God is utterly distinct from His creation and cannot be approached casually by sinful humanity. This scene also highlights the theme of divine revelation, showing God actively making Himself known to His people, not just through words but through awe-inspiring phenomena. Furthermore, it introduces the critical theme of mediation, as the people's terror immediately leads them to request Moses to stand between them and God, foreshadowing the need for a priestly system and ultimately, a perfect mediator. This encounter also reinforces the fear of the Lord, a concept central to Old Testament wisdom, signifying not just dread but profound reverence and awe for God's character and authority, as articulated in passages like Proverbs 9:10.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This Hebrew term, literally meaning "voice" or "sound," is used here to describe the thunder. Rather than merely a natural phenomenon, it conveys the powerful, authoritative "voice" of God, echoing His divine pronouncements from the mountain. Its broad semantic range, encompassing "cry," "proclamation," and "sound," underscores the auditory impact of God's manifest presence, making the thunder a direct conduit of divine communication and power.
This primitive root signifies "to waver," "to shake," or "to be moved." In the context of the people's reaction, it conveys a visceral, involuntary recoil, a sense of being driven back or dislodged by the overwhelming force of God's presence. It suggests more than a simple withdrawal; it implies a trembling and a compelled movement away from the divine manifestation.
This phrase describes the people's deliberate and sustained act of maintaining distance. The verb ʻâmad means "to stand" or "to remain," indicating a fixed posture and a conscious decision to halt their approach and stay separate. Coupled with râchôwq, meaning "remote" or "far off," it powerfully emphasizes the physical and symbolic chasm that the people instinctively recognized between their sinful humanity and God's unapproachable holiness.
Verse Breakdown
"And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking"
This clause vividly describes the overwhelming sensory experience of the theophany. The people were subjected to a multi-modal assault of divine power: the booming sound of thunder (God's voice), the blinding flashes of lightning, the piercing blast of a supernatural trumpet, and the ominous sight of the mountain enveloped in smoke. This combination created an atmosphere of profound dread and awe, signifying God's uncontainable might, glory, and absolute sovereignty. The use of "saw" for both visual and auditory phenomena emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their perception.
"and when the people saw [it], they removed, and stood afar off"
This second clause details the immediate and profound reaction of the Israelites. The repetition of "saw" emphasizes that their fear was a direct, undeniable response to the visible and audible manifestations of God's presence. Their "removing" suggests a spontaneous, almost involuntary recoil, driven by terror, while "stood afar off" indicates a conscious, collective decision to maintain a safe, respectful, and fearful distance. This action underscores their recognition of God's transcendent holiness and their own unworthiness or inability to approach Him directly without mediation.
Literary Devices
Exodus 20:18 is rich in literary devices that amplify the dramatic impact and theological significance of the scene. The most prominent is Theophany, the visible and perceptible manifestation of God's presence, which is depicted through a powerful array of Sensory Imagery. The text appeals directly to both sight ("lightnings," "mountain smoking") and sound ("thunderings," "noise of the trumpet"), creating an immersive and overwhelming experience for the reader, mirroring the Israelites' own sensory overload. The cumulative effect of these phenomena creates a sense of Hyperbole or extreme intensity, emphasizing the unprecedented and terrifying nature of the divine encounter. The "mountain smoking" and the "noise of the trumpet" serve as potent Symbolism for God's awesome power, His unapproachable holiness, and the gravity of the covenant being established. Furthermore, there is a clear Contrast established between God's overwhelming, consuming presence and the people's fearful, retreating posture, powerfully highlighting the vast ontological gap between the holy Creator and His fallen creatures.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 20:18 encapsulates profound theological truths about God's nature and humanity's relationship to Him. It vividly portrays God's transcendent holiness, His absolute power, and His unapproachable majesty. The people's terror and withdrawal underscore the inherent separation between a perfectly holy God and sinful humanity, revealing the Old Covenant's emphasis on distance and mediation. This scene cultivates the "fear of the Lord," which is not mere dread, but a profound reverence, awe, and respect for God's authority and character, recognized in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom. It also highlights the critical need for a mediator between God and humanity, a role that Moses was called to fulfill in the immediate aftermath of this event, setting the stage for the entire sacrificial and priestly system designed to bridge this chasm.
Reflection and Application
The terrifying scene at Mount Sinai in Exodus 20:18 serves as an enduring reminder of God's awe-inspiring holiness and immense power. While believers today approach God not with the dread experienced at a distant, smoking mountain, but through the gracious access provided by Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest, this passage still calls us to a profound reverence. It underscores the absolute necessity of a mediator between a holy God and fallen humanity, a role perfectly and eternally fulfilled by Christ. This account encourages us to worship God with both awe for His majesty and profound gratitude for the new covenant, which bridges the gap that the Israelites experienced at Sinai. Our access to God is now one of grace and intimacy, yet it must never diminish our understanding of His transcendent glory and the reverence due to His name. We are called to approach Him with both confidence and humility, recognizing the immense privilege of drawing near to the One before whom even a mountain trembles.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the people react with such fear at Mount Sinai?
The people reacted with such intense fear because they were experiencing a direct, unmediated encounter with the infinitely holy and powerful God. The sensory phenomena—thunderings, lightnings, the trumpet blast, and the smoking mountain—were overwhelming manifestations of God's glory and majesty, designed to impress upon them His absolute sovereignty and the gravity of the covenant. For sinful humanity, direct exposure to such divine purity and power was terrifying, revealing the vast chasm between God and man. Their fear was a natural and appropriate response to the presence of the Almighty, underscoring their unworthiness and the need for a mediator, as they themselves requested in Exodus 20:19.
What is a "theophany" and how does Exodus 20:18 exemplify it?
A "theophany" is a visible or otherwise perceptible manifestation of God to humankind. Exodus 20:18 is a classic example of a theophany because it describes God making His presence known through dramatic natural phenomena. The "thunderings," "lightnings," "noise of the trumpet," and "mountain smoking" are all tangible, sensory experiences through which God revealed Himself to the entire Israelite nation. This was not merely a natural storm but a divinely orchestrated display of power and presence, intended to communicate God's reality and authority directly to His people, establishing His covenant with them.
How does this scene relate to the giving of the Law?
This scene is inextricably linked to the giving of the Law, specifically the Ten Commandments. The terrifying display of God's power and holiness served to underscore the divine origin and absolute authority of the Law. It was not merely a set of rules from a human leader, but the very word of a holy, unapproachable God, delivered with overwhelming majesty. The fear instilled in the people was meant to impress upon them the seriousness of the covenant and the consequences of disobedience, emphasizing that the Law came from the ultimate Sovereign. It highlights the Law's role in revealing God's character and humanity's inability to perfectly conform to His holy standards, thereby pointing to their need for grace and a different way of approaching God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The terrifying scene at Mount Sinai, where the people recoiled from God's unapproachable holiness, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, so vividly displayed in Exodus 20:18, is precisely what Christ came to bridge. At Sinai, the Law was given amidst fire, smoke, and trembling, instilling fear and emphasizing separation; in Christ, grace and truth came, offering reconciliation and intimate access. Jesus is the ultimate Mediator, the "one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). Unlike Moses, who merely stood between God and the people, Christ is both God and man, perfectly uniting the divine and human in His person. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He has opened a "new and living way" into the very presence of God, transforming the fearful distance of Sinai into the confident approach to the "throne of grace" (Hebrews 4:16). The unapproachable mountain of the Old Covenant is replaced by the approachable Zion of the New, where believers "have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus" (Hebrews 10:19). Thus, the terror of Sinai foreshadows the profound grace of Calvary, where God's holiness is satisfied, and His people are drawn near, not by fear, but by faith and love.