Exodus 20:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off

NIV: When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance

NASB: And all the people were watching and hearing the thunder and the lightning flashes, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it all, they trembled and stood at a distance.

CSB: All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance.

NLT: When the people heard the thunder and the loud blast of the ram’s horn, and when they saw the flashes of lightning and the smoke billowing from the mountain, they stood at a distance, trembling with fear.

KJV: And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

NKJV: Now all the people witnessed the thunderings, the lightning flashes, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood afar off.

Unlike modern writing, ancient records are not always recorded in the exact order in which they occurred. In this case, the people may be responding to the declaration of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17). Or this may be an aside referring to how the people first saw Sinai when Moses was called there (Exodus 19:16–20). The epic scene on the mountain produced a healthy, respectful fear. This made the people respect the Lord's command not to approach Him there (Exodus 19:12–13). If Moses did not return from the mountain until he had the entire Law, it might explain why Israel was so quickly tempted to make an idol (Exodus 32).

The Law, given here (Exodus 19:5–6), makes people aware of their sin. Comparing ourselves to a Holy God is frightening. Yet this is only the first part of God's plan for mankind. Once this covenant has been fulfilled, it will be replaced with a new covenant. The new will be marked by confidence rather than fear (Hebrews 8:8–13; 12:18–21).

Exodus 20:18–21 describes the Israelites' first reaction to God's commandments. Only Moses, and at some point Aaron (Exodus 19:24), has been allowed to approach God on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:12–13). The mountain is obscured by fire and smoke, paired with lightning, thunder, and tremors (Exodus 19:16–18). The people's intimidated reaction is precisely what the Lord intended (Hebrews 12:18–21). A healthy understanding of God's supremacy is key to obeying His commands (Proverbs 1:7). Sadly, Israel will soon (Exodus 32) and repeatedly (Judges 2:16–19) lose this reverent fear.

At Mount Sinai, God begins declaring the laws of His covenant with Israel. The first of these are the Ten Commandments. These establish core principles intended to guide the Lord's chosen people (Deuteronomy 7:6). Further details will come in other chapters and books. This chapter ends with specifics about altars and idols. The following chapters will address various social and civil issues (Exodus 21—23)

Centuries after being enslaved in Egypt (Exodus 1), Israel has been freed (Exodus 12). God leads the people across the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and into the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 17—19). Here, He will give them laws which distinguish them from other nations. The first of these are the renowned Ten Commandments. The Lord will continue to provide details and statutes (Exodus 21—23) before confirming the covenant (Exodus 24) and establishing regulations for the tabernacle and priests (Exodus 25—31).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.