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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 20:21 captures a profoundly significant moment immediately following the terrifying revelation of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. As the Israelite people, overwhelmed by the majestic and fearful display of God's presence, recoil in awe and maintain a reverent distance, Moses, uniquely chosen and divinely authorized, steps forward. He courageously approaches the "thick darkness," a powerful symbol of God's veiled and unapproachable glory, signifying both the ineffable nature of the Almighty and Moses' singular, indispensable role as mediator between a holy God and His awestruck, yet fearful, covenant people.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as a climactic moment in the narrative of God's covenant establishment at Mount Sinai, directly following the giving of the Ten Commandments. In Exodus 19, God descends upon the mountain in a dramatic theophany, marked by thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, and a trumpet blast, inviting Israel into a covenant relationship. The people, having directly heard God's voice delivering the first two commandments in Exodus 20:1-17, are utterly terrified by the divine manifestation. Exodus 20:18-19 explicitly records their trembling fear and their urgent plea to Moses that he, not God, should speak to them, lest they die. Exodus 20:21 directly responds to this plea, depicting the people's continued retreat and Moses' singular, divinely sanctioned advance into the very heart of the divine presence. This act sets the stage for Moses to receive the subsequent covenant stipulations, known as the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33), on behalf of the entire nation.
Historical & Cultural Context
The scene at Mount Sinai is a foundational event in Israelite history, irrevocably shaping their identity as God's chosen covenant people. In the ancient Near East, divine encounters were frequently portrayed as overwhelming and terrifying, emphasizing the immense chasm between the human and the divine realms. While the concept of a mediator—one who could bridge the gap between a deity and humanity—was present in various cultures, often through priests or kings, Moses' role here is uniquely established by divine appointment. The "thick darkness" (עֲרָפֶל, 'araphel') is not merely an atmospheric phenomenon but a profound biblical motif for the veiled presence of God, signifying His unapproachable holiness, sovereign majesty, and the protective barrier necessary for humanity, as no one can behold God's full glory and live (Exodus 33:20). This divine inaccessibility underscores the absolute necessity of a divinely chosen intermediary like Moses, who alone is permitted to enter the sacred space and commune with God "face to face" (Numbers 12:8).
Key Themes
Exodus 20:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of God's Transcendent Holiness, emphasizing His absolute separation from and superiority over all creation, particularly sinful humanity. The people's fear and distance underscore the theme of Human Sinfulness and Unworthiness, revealing humanity's inability to stand directly in the presence of a holy God without a mediator. Crucially, the verse introduces and develops the theme of Divine Mediation, establishing Moses as God's chosen representative, the one through whom God's will and covenant stipulations are communicated to His people. This mediatorial role is central to the Old Covenant's structure, foreshadowing the later sacrificial system and the Levitical priesthood, all designed to bridge the gap between God and humanity. The scene also reinforces the theme of Covenant Relationship, as God, despite His terrifying holiness, actively seeks to establish a relationship with Israel, albeit one that requires specific parameters for access and interaction, as seen in the subsequent laws and tabernacle instructions in Exodus 25, Exodus 26, Exodus 27, Exodus 28, Exodus 29, Exodus 30, Exodus 31, Exodus 32, Exodus 33, Exodus 34, Exodus 35, Exodus 36, Exodus 37, Exodus 38, Exodus 39, Exodus 40).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term (עָם, 'am') refers to a congregated unit, specifically a tribe or nation, and here denotes the entire assembly of Israel. Its usage emphasizes the collective identity and unified response of the Israelites as they stand in awe and fear before God's presence. The term highlights their corporate experience of God's revelation and their shared need for a mediator.
The verb (נָגַשׁ, nâgash) signifies an intentional act of approaching or coming close for a specific purpose. In this context, it starkly contrasts with the people's retreat, underscoring Moses' unique, divinely authorized access. This "drawing near" is not a presumptuous act but a sacred, permitted movement towards the very source of divine holiness, establishing Moses' role as the privileged intermediary.
This word (עֲרָפֶל, 'araphel') describes a dense, gloomy cloud, specifically associated with the manifestation of God's presence. It is not merely an absence of light but a tangible obscuring of divine glory, conveying mystery, awe, and inaccessibility. This "gloom" or "darkness" signifies God's transcendent and unapproachable majesty, a protective veil that both conceals and reveals His ineffable being, too holy for direct human sight.
Verse Breakdown
"And the people stood afar off"
This phrase vividly portrays the profound fear and reverential distance maintained by the Israelites. Their experience of God's unmediated voice and the overwhelming display of His power on Sinai—thunder, lightning, smoke, and the trumpet blast—had instilled in them a deep sense of their own unworthiness and the perilous nature of direct divine encounter. This distance emphasizes the absolute holiness of God and the inherent separation between a sinful humanity and a perfectly holy deity, underscoring the universal human need for a mediator.
"and Moses drew near"
In stark contrast to the retreating multitude, Moses alone is permitted and empowered to approach. This highlights his unique and indispensable role as God's chosen intermediary. His act of drawing near signifies not only his personal courage, obedience, and faithfulness but also his divinely appointed function as the one through whom God would communicate His laws, covenant stipulations, and divine will to Israel. He serves as the crucial bridge between the unapproachable God and the fearful, yet chosen, people.
"unto the thick darkness where God [was]"
This climactic clause reveals the paradoxical nature of God's presence. God is not absent or hidden in the darkness; rather, His presence is actively manifested within the thick darkness. The 'araphel' is not an empty void but a profound veil of glory, a protective shroud that simultaneously conceals and reveals the ineffable majesty of God. It signifies God's transcendence, His mysterious nature, and His unapproachable holiness, while simultaneously affirming His active presence and engagement with His people through His chosen representative, Moses.
Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound theological message. Contrast is prominently featured, setting the people's fearful retreat ("stood afar off") against Moses' unique and divinely sanctioned advance ("drew near"). This stark opposition highlights the distinct roles and relationships with God. Symbolism is central, with the "thick darkness" serving as a potent symbol of God's transcendent holiness, His unapproachable glory, and the mysterious, veiled nature of His being. It is not merely a meteorological phenomenon but a profound theological statement about God's otherness and majesty. Furthermore, the scene contains elements of Foreshadowing, as Moses' singular role as the mediator who can approach God on behalf of the people anticipates the ultimate and perfect mediator, Jesus Christ, who would perfectly bridge the chasm between God and humanity.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 20:21 profoundly illustrates the fundamental theological themes of divine holiness, human sinfulness, and the indispensable need for mediation. God's unapproachable glory, veiled in thick darkness, underscores His absolute purity, transcendence, and the consuming nature of His presence, making direct, unmediated human access impossible due to humanity's fallen state. The people's terror and their inability to draw near highlight the terrifying reality of encountering a holy God in one's sin. Moses' unique privilege to enter the darkness signifies God's merciful provision for humanity, establishing the foundational principle that access to God, under the Old Covenant, was always through a divinely appointed representative. This pivotal moment sets the stage for the entire sacrificial system, the Tabernacle, and the Levitical priesthood, which would provide temporary means of atonement and access, all pointing to a greater, final mediator.
Reflection and Application
The scene at Sinai, where the people stand afar off and Moses draws near to the thick darkness, serves as a powerful and enduring reminder of God's awe-inspiring holiness and our inherent human limitations. It compels us to reflect deeply on the immense chasm that exists between a perfectly holy God and imperfect, sinful humanity. While the fear of the Israelites was a natural and appropriate response to direct divine encounter under the Old Covenant, this passage ultimately points us to the profound and transformative grace we experience in the New Covenant. We no longer need to stand afar off, nor do we rely on a human mediator like Moses. Instead, through the finished, perfect work of Jesus Christ, we are invited to "draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" (Hebrews 10:22). This verse challenges us to cultivate a deep reverence and awe for God's majestic holiness while simultaneously embracing the incredible privilege of intimate access that Christ has secured for us, transforming our fear into reverent worship, confident prayer, and joyful fellowship with our Heavenly Father.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was God described as being in "thick darkness" at Sinai?
The "thick darkness" (עֲרָפֶל, 'araphel') at Sinai is a recurring biblical motif for God's presence, not merely an absence of light. It symbolizes several profound theological truths. First, it signifies God's transcendent holiness and ineffable glory, which are too overwhelming for human beings to behold directly without being consumed (Exodus 33:20). Second, it represents the mystery and incomprehensibility of God; He is beyond full human grasp and cannot be fully contained or comprehended by finite minds. Third, it acts as a protective veil, allowing God to manifest Himself to humanity without destroying them. This veiled presence underscores the vast chasm between the Creator and His creation, especially a sinful one, and highlights the intrinsic need for a divinely appointed mediator to bridge that gap.
What is the significance of Moses alone drawing near to God in the thick darkness?
Moses' unique act of drawing near is profoundly significant, highlighting his divinely appointed role as the primary mediator between God and Israel under the Old Covenant. While the people were terrified and kept their distance due to their sinfulness and God's overwhelming holiness (Exodus 20:18-19), Moses was uniquely permitted and empowered to enter the sacred, veiled presence of God. This privilege allowed him to receive God's laws, instructions, and covenant stipulations on behalf of the people, establishing him as the covenant messenger, intercessor, and leader. His ability to approach where others could not foreshadows the ultimate and perfect mediator, Jesus Christ, who would perfectly bridge the chasm between God and humanity forever.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 20:21, with its stark contrast between the people's fearful distance and Moses' unique access to the "thick darkness" where God dwells, powerfully foreshadows the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ. Moses, as the one permitted to draw near to God on behalf of a fearful and separated people, serves as a profound type of Christ. Under the Old Covenant, the holiness of God demanded a veil, a mediator, and distance; the "thick darkness" represented an unapproachable majesty and the barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. However, in the New Covenant, Jesus Christ is the ultimate and perfect mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). He is God incarnate, who perfectly reveals the Father, for "no one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known" (John 1:18). Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus tore the veil that separated humanity from God, granting us direct and confident access to the Father's presence (Hebrews 10:19-20). No longer do we stand afar off in fear, but through faith in Christ, we are invited to "draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16), having been reconciled to God and brought into intimate fellowship by the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The terrifying darkness of Sinai, which necessitated a human mediator, gives way to the glorious light of the gospel, where God's presence is no longer veiled but fully accessible through our Lord Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.