Exodus 20:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin."

NIV: Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."

NASB: However, Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you will not sin.'

CSB: Moses responded to the people, "Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not sin."

NLT: Don’t be afraid,' Moses answered them, 'for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!'

KJV: And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

NKJV: And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin.”

"Fear" of God is not only inevitable, but healthy (Proverbs 1:7). When Israel came to Sinai to receive the Law (Exodus 19:5–6), the scene was intimidating (Exodus 19:16–20). Fire, smoke, lightning, and earthquakes were physical expressions of the Lord's immense power. Before anything else can be understood, we must acknowledge that God is God. The Mosaic law (2 Chronicles 5:10) establishes this relationship and reminds us that we are flawed. Thankfully, the Lord does not stop there. He fulfilled this old covenant (Hebrews 12:18–29) and gave us a new covenant based on grace (Galatians 4:4–5; Hebrews 8:8–13).

Moses provides reassurance. Reverent "fear" of God should not be panicked terror. Yes, the Lord is putting Israel in position to be tested. Will Israel's fear of the God who rescued them from Egypt (Exodus 20:1) keep them obedient to His commandments (Exodus 20:1–17)? As it turns out, the answer would often be "no." Israel will almost immediately turn to an idol (Exodus 32) and defy the Lord's commands regarding Canaan (Numbers 14:1–4). Later generations will cycle through spiritual corruption (Judges 2:16–19).

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.