Exodus 20:19 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die."

NIV: and said to Moses, "Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die."

NASB: Then they said to Moses, 'Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but do not have God speak to us, or we will die!'

CSB: "You speak to us, and we will listen," they said to Moses, "but don’t let God speak to us, or we will die."

NLT: And they said to Moses, 'You speak to us, and we will listen. But don’t let God speak directly to us, or we will die!'

KJV: And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

NKJV: Then they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear; but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”

Sinai's intimidating sights and sounds had their intended effect (Exodus 19:16–20). The people were instructed not to approach the mountain (Exodus 19:12–13). Here, they agree with the idea of Moses acting as the Lord's spokesman. This corresponds to Moses' intended role. He is to be the gateway of communication between Israel and the Lord (Exodus 3:12; 14:31; 19:9). It's possible this exchange (Exodus 20:20–21) was part of how Israel reacted to their first sight of Sinai (Exodus 19:16–20). Or, perhaps Moses brought the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1–17) before returning to receive the rest of the covenant (Exodus 19:5–6).

The terrifying displays on Mount Sinai are meant to express the Lord's immense power and absolute holiness. As created beings, we should experience a reverent, healthy form of "fear" when we consider the Creator's nature. Thankfully, the same Creator wants us to approach Him with confidence, because of His love (Hebrews 4:15–16; 12:18–24).

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.

Accessed 6/1/2025 8:25:21 AM