Hebrews 12:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.”

NIV: because they could not bear what was commanded: 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.'

NASB: For they could not cope with the command, 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.'

CSB: for they could not bear what was commanded: If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.

NLT: They staggered back under God’s command: 'If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.'

KJV: (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

NKJV: (For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow.”

This passage refers to the time when God gave the old covenant to Israel. This happened after the exodus from Egypt, at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:9–20). The scene at Sinai was dramatic and also terrifying. There, the people saw clouds and fire, heard trumpet blasts, and were commanded not to even touch the holy mountain. The purpose of this spectacle was to highlight the seriousness of this covenant and the holiness of the God who made it. Man's separation from God was a major teaching aspect of the law.

The point of this section of Hebrews is to continue contrasting the old covenant to the new covenant. The old covenant was inaugurated with a sense of dread, even terror, in order to convince man of his own sin and his need for God (Hebrews 9:8–12; Galatians 3:23–24). The new covenant, as future verses will explain, is something presented to man with an attitude of peace and forgiveness. This entire letter describes how the new covenant is superior to the old covenant, and that even includes the emotional impact felt as mankind is presented with each one.

Hebrews 12:18–29 summarizes the lessons given through chapters 11 and 12. Those living under the new covenant have the advantage of looking to Christ, rather than to the law. The Old Testament was given through ominous signs, dire messages, fire, and sacrifice; it involved material things in a material world. God presented Himself as unapproachable, symbolic of His holiness. The New Covenant offers something better, and something beyond rituals and earthly needs. Also symbolically, Christ gives us an ability to approach God which the old covenant could not grant. While prior things can be changed and destroyed, the destiny offered to believers in Christ cannot. That is the ''kingdom that cannot be shaken,'' and our worship for God ought to reflect reverence as a result.

Chapter 11 explained the victories of some of the Old Testament's greatest heroes. It also explained their sufferings and persecution. This chapter uses those examples as a ''cloud of witnesses'' to prove that God does not abandon us when we suffer. In many cases, He uses those experiences to ''train'' us, as if we were athletes, to make us stronger. In other cases, it's the same kind of discipline that a child receives from a loving father. Unlike the old covenant, which rightly inspired fear and dread, the new covenant offers us peace. As with any other matter of truth or falsehood, we should cling to what's true, so that we can be part of ''a kingdom that cannot be shaken.''

Hebrews chapter 12 builds on the example of the heroes of the faith mentioned in chapter 11. The main point of this lesson is that these figures endured suffering and hardship, yet held to their faith in God, which allowed them to achieve victory. Chapter 12, in particular, points out that earthly hardship is not a sign of God's displeasure, or abandonment. Rather, it's part of living in a fallen, godless world. And, in many cases, it's a form of ''training'' the Lord uses to mold us into more powerful instruments. This, as with other passages in Hebrews, leads into another explanation of why we should take these ideas seriously, and sets up a few final practical lessons in chapter 13.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.

Accessed 5/4/2024 12:45:30 PM