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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 20:20 presents Moses' crucial clarification to the terrified Israelites following God's dramatic appearance at Mount Sinai. He reassures them that the awe-inspiring manifestation of divine power was not intended to consume them, but rather to test their fidelity, cultivate a profound and reverential awe of God, and instill a holy fear that would serve as a moral compass, preventing them from succumbing to sin and enabling them to live in faithful obedience within their covenant relationship. This verse masterfully distinguishes between paralyzing dread and a life-giving, worshipful reverence for the Most High.
Context
Literary Context
This pivotal verse immediately follows the thunderous pronouncement of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. The preceding verses, Exodus 20:18-19, vividly depict the people's overwhelming terror and dread in response to God's terrifying presence—the thunder, lightning, trumpet blast, and smoking mountain. Their fear was so intense that they pleaded with Moses to act as their sole intermediary, believing that direct interaction with God would result in their death. Moses' response in Exodus 20:20 serves as a crucial interpretative bridge, reorienting their understanding of the divine purpose behind this terrifying yet purposeful theophany, bridging the gap between God's unapproachable holiness and human frailty. It sets the stage for the subsequent detailed laws and ordinances that would govern their covenant life.
Historical & Cultural Context
The event at Mount Sinai marks a foundational moment in Israel's history—the formal establishment of the Mosaic Covenant. Having been miraculously delivered from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were now gathered at the foot of the mountain to receive God's law and formally enter into a covenant relationship with Him. The dramatic display of God's power and holiness was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern covenant ceremonies, where the suzerain (in this case, Yahweh) would demonstrate His absolute authority and majesty to His vassals (Israel). This public, overwhelming manifestation was designed to impress upon the nascent nation the absolute sovereignty, holiness, and power of the God who had redeemed them, setting the stage for a life of obedience rooted in profound reverence. It was a moment of divine encounter meant to shape their identity and future as God's chosen people, distinct from the idolatrous nations around them, as God had promised in Exodus 19:5-6. The people's initial terror was a natural human reaction to such a display, but Moses' words redirect this raw emotion toward its intended, sanctifying purpose.
Key Themes
Exodus 20 is rich with theological themes that Exodus 20:20 significantly contributes to. Central among these is the theme of Divine Presence and Holiness. God's manifestation at Sinai underscores His absolute otherness and purity, demanding a proper human response. Another key theme is Covenant Relationship, where God initiates and defines the terms of His bond with Israel, emphasizing obedience as a core component. The verse also highlights Divine Pedagogy, revealing that God's actions, even terrifying ones, are purposeful and designed to teach His people and shape their character. Finally, the distinction between paralyzing fear and reverential awe introduces the crucial theme of The Fear of the Lord, which is consistently presented throughout Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and the foundation for righteous living, as seen in Proverbs 9:10. This healthy fear is not about dread but about profound respect and recognition of God's majesty, leading to a desire to please Him and avoid sin.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
The root verb H3372 (yârêʼ) means "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In Moses' exhortation "Fear not," he addresses the people's paralyzing dread. However, the subsequent phrase "that his fear (H3374, yirʼâh') may be before your faces" refers to a different kind of fear—a profound, reverential awe and respect for God's majesty and holiness. This yirʼâh is not a debilitating terror but a healthy, worshipful reverence that motivates obedience and prevents sin. It is the recognition of God's absolute power and moral purity that leads to humble submission and a desire to please Him, consistently presented in Scripture as the beginning of wisdom and knowledge Proverbs 1:7.
The verb H5254 (nâçâh) means "to test; by implication, to attempt; adventure, assay, prove, tempt, try." Here, it denotes a test designed to reveal the true condition of the people's hearts, strengthen their faith, and instruct them, rather than to entice them to evil. God's tests are always for the good of His people, to refine their character, deepen their trust, and demonstrate their faithfulness. This is akin to how God tested Abraham's faith Genesis 22:1 or how He would test Israel throughout their wilderness journey Deuteronomy 8:2. The purpose is always redemptive and pedagogical, aimed at spiritual growth and the confirmation of their covenant commitment.
The verb H2398 (châṭâʼ) is a primitive root meaning "properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin." In the context of "that ye sin not," it refers to missing the mark of God's holy standard, failing to live up to the covenant obligations, or transgressing His commands. The ultimate goal of cultivating reverential fear is to prevent this deviation from God's will. This fear acts as a powerful deterrent against moral transgression, fostering a life of integrity and obedience that aligns with God's character and commands.
Verse Breakdown
"And Moses said unto the people, Fear not:"
Moses' opening words are a direct pastoral intervention, aimed at calming the people's paralyzing terror. This "fear not" is not a dismissal of their awe, but a reorientation of it. It distinguishes between the natural, overwhelming dread in the face of divine power and the intended outcome of a healthy, reverential fear. Moses, as the divinely appointed mediator, reassures them that God's display is not for their destruction but for their ultimate good and spiritual formation.
"for God is come to prove you,"
This clause reveals the divine purpose behind the terrifying manifestation at Sinai. God's arrival in such a powerful manner was a test (nâçâh). It was designed to reveal the true condition of their hearts, to solidify their understanding of His holiness and power, and to prepare them for a life of covenant obedience. It served as a proving ground for their faith and commitment, a moment of profound spiritual instruction intended to confirm their allegiance and deepen their trust.
"and that his fear may be before your faces,"
This is the immediate, intended outcome of the proving. The "fear" here is yirʼâh, the reverential awe. It implies a constant, conscious awareness of God's presence, holiness, and absolute authority. To have God's fear "before your faces" means to live with a perpetual consciousness of His majesty, guiding one's thoughts, words, and actions. It is an internal disposition that acknowledges God's rightful place as sovereign and worthy of all worship and obedience.
"that ye sin not."
This is the ultimate, practical goal of cultivating reverential fear. A deep and abiding awe of God's holiness naturally leads to a desire to obey His commands and avoid anything that would displease Him. The fear of the Lord is not merely an emotion but a powerful moral compass, motivating righteous living. It is God's desire for His people to walk in purity and obedience, and the cultivation of proper reverence is the means to that end, leading to a life free from the destructive consequences of sin and fostering a robust covenant relationship.
Literary Devices
Exodus 20:20 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Theophany, the visible manifestation of God, which serves as the dramatic backdrop for Moses' words. God's appearance on Sinai, characterized by thunder, lightning, and smoke, is an overwhelming display of divine power and presence, designed to evoke awe and establish His absolute authority. Moses' speech then introduces a crucial Contrast between two distinct types of "fear": the paralyzing terror experienced by the people Exodus 20:18 and the reverential awe that God intends to cultivate ("that his fear may be before your faces"). This distinction is vital for understanding God's pedagogical purpose. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates Divine Pedagogy, where God uses a powerful, even intimidating, display not for destruction but for instruction and character formation. The entire sequence is a profound lesson in God's holiness and the necessity of a proper, worshipful response from His people, culminating in the desire for them to "sin not" as a result of this cultivated reverence.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 20:20 is foundational for understanding the nature of God's relationship with His people, particularly His use of testing and the transformative role of reverential fear. It reveals God as both awe-inspiringly powerful and deeply concerned for the moral purity and spiritual well-being of His covenant community. The divine display at Sinai, while initially terrifying, was ultimately a pedagogical act, designed to instill a proper understanding of God's holiness and to motivate obedience. This concept of "fear of the Lord" as a positive, life-giving principle is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true reverence for God is the wellspring of wisdom, knowledge, obedience, and a life lived in alignment with His will. It underscores that God's ultimate desire is not to condemn, but to refine, guide, and enable His people to live righteously in His presence.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 20:20 invites us to profoundly re-evaluate our understanding of God's presence and purpose in our lives, especially when facing challenging, overwhelming, or even frightening circumstances. Just as God's powerful manifestation at Sinai was ultimately for Israel's good, so too are the trials, difficulties, and "tests" we encounter in our spiritual journey. These moments are not intended to break us, but rather to prove our faith, deepen our understanding of God's majestic character, and cultivate within us a profound, reverential awe that leads to genuine obedience and a desire to honor Him. This healthy fear of the Lord liberates us from the paralyzing fear of man and the insidious bondage of sin, guiding us toward a life of purity, purpose, and profound intimacy with our Creator. It reminds us that God's ultimate desire is for our flourishing and spiritual maturity, and that true freedom and blessedness are found in humbly submitting to His holy will, allowing His majestic presence to shape our every choice and action.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Is God's intention to make us afraid of Him, or is there a different kind of fear being discussed in Exodus 20:20?
Exodus 20:20 clearly distinguishes between two types of "fear." The immediate reaction of the Israelites in Exodus 20:18 was one of terror and dread in the face of God's overwhelming power and holiness. However, Moses clarifies that God's ultimate purpose was not to instill paralyzing fright, but to cultivate a profound, reverential awe—what the Bible consistently calls the "fear of the Lord" (yirʼâh). This is a positive, healthy respect for God's holiness, majesty, and absolute authority. It's the recognition of His supreme power and moral purity that leads to humble submission, willing obedience, and a sincere desire to avoid sin. This kind of fear is foundational to wisdom and a right relationship with God, as seen in passages like Proverbs 1:7 and Psalm 111:10. It's a fear that leads to life, not death or bondage.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 20:20, with its emphasis on God's awe-inspiring presence, His purpose in testing His people, and the cultivation of reverential fear to prevent sin, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant revealed God's holiness through terrifying displays and a law that exposed sin, it also highlighted the people's inherent inability to perfectly keep it. Jesus, as the perfect Son of God, perfectly embodied the "fear of the Lord," living a life of complete and unwavering obedience and reverence to the Father Isaiah 11:2-3. He is the ultimate Mediator, far greater than Moses, who bridges the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, not by terrifying displays that keep people at a distance, but by His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, Christ takes away the sin that the law exposed, enabling believers to truly "sin not" by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's blood, promises to put God's laws into our minds and write them on our hearts Hebrews 8:10, fulfilling Jeremiah's prophecy that God would put His "fear" (reverence and desire to obey) in our hearts Jeremiah 32:40. Thus, the reverential fear that prevents sin is no longer merely an external command or a response to a terrifying display, but an internal reality empowered by Christ, leading to a life of worshipful obedience and intimate relationship with God, made possible through His abundant grace and the indwelling Spirit Romans 8:3-4.