Exodus 20:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

NIV: The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

NASB: So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

CSB: And the people remained standing at a distance as Moses approached the total darkness where God was.

NLT: As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was.

KJV: And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

NKJV: So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was.

God's holiness is on spectacular display at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:1–2). At this time, only Moses is allowed to approach God on the mountain (Exodus 19:12–13, 24; 24:9–18). The mountain is covered in smoke, fire, lightning, thunder, and earthquakes (Exodus 19:16–20). The people are rightly afraid (Exodus 20:18–19). Moses assures them that this fear should not be terror (Exodus 20:20). The display of power and giving of the Law (Exodus 19:5–6) are Israel's "test" to see if they will obey the Lord.

At first, Israel will proclaim their loyalty to God (Deuteronomy 5:28–29). But while Moses is gone for forty days, they will make an idol (Exodus 20:1–4; 32). They will refuse to take Canaan as the Lord intended (Numbers 14:1–4). The nation will repeatedly fall away from the Lord and into sin (Judges 2:16–19). God's love and mercy keeps Israel intact (Malachi 3:6), but they will suffer for their sin.

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 5:16:05 PM