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Exodus 19:16

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¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Exodus 19:16 describes the awe-inspiring and terrifying scene at Mount Sinai as God prepared to deliver the Law to the Israelites. This verse captures the dramatic manifestation of God's presence, designed to impress upon the people the holiness of their Creator and the solemnity of the covenant they were about to enter.

Context

This verse marks a pivotal moment in Israel's journey from Egyptian bondage to becoming a nation under God's direct rule. Having been miraculously delivered from Egypt and sustained in the wilderness, the Israelites arrived at Mount Sinai in the third month after their departure (Exodus 19:1). For three days, as commanded by God through Moses (Exodus 19:11), the people had sanctified themselves, preparing to meet God. Verse 16 details the climactic morning of the third day, when the divine presence descended upon the mountain in a powerful display.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Majesty: The description of "thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud" is a classic example of a theophany – a visible and audible manifestation of God. These phenomena signify God's immense power, holiness, and unapproachable glory. It was a demonstration designed to leave no doubt that the Law was coming directly from the Almighty.
  • Awe and Reverence: The immediate response of "all the people that was in the camp trembled" highlights the natural human reaction to such an overwhelming divine encounter. This trembling was not merely fear of punishment, but a profound sense of awe and respect for God's majesty. This reverential fear was essential for the people to grasp the gravity and authority of the commandments they were about to receive. This aligns with the biblical call to serve the Lord with fear and trembling.
  • Preparation for the Law: The dramatic display served as a powerful prelude to the giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1ff) and the rest of the Mosaic Law. It underscored the divine origin and non-negotiable nature of God's Word, ensuring that Israel would understand the immense privilege and responsibility of being His covenant people.

Linguistic Insights

The "thick cloud" (Hebrew: ‘anan, עָנָן) is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, often symbolizing God's presence, sometimes as a veil or a protective covering for His glory, as seen with the pillar of cloud that guided Israel. The "voice of the trumpet" (Hebrew: qol shofar) refers to the sound of a ram's horn, which in ancient Israel was used for significant announcements, warnings, and calls to worship. Here, it serves as a divine summons, amplifying the sacredness and urgency of the moment.

Practical Application

Exodus 19:16 reminds us that God is holy and demands our reverence. While believers today approach God not through the terrifying display of Sinai, but through the grace offered by Jesus Christ, the mediator of the New Covenant, His divine nature remains unchanged. The contrast between the old covenant's fear-inducing manifestation and the new covenant's invitation to draw near is powerfully highlighted in Hebrews 12:18-24. This verse also teaches us the seriousness with which God's Word should be received. It is not human opinion, but divine revelation, worthy of our utmost attention and obedience.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 12:18 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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 (7 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Revelation 4:1 (5 votes)

    ¶ 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 (5 votes)

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

  • Psalms 18:14 (5 votes)

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

  • Revelation 8:5 (4 votes)

    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.