Hebrews 12:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”

NIV: The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, 'I am trembling with fear.'

NASB: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, 'I am terrified and trembling.'

CSB: The appearance was so terrifying that Moses said, I am trembling with fear.

NLT: Moses himself was so frightened at the sight that he said, 'I am terrified and trembling.'

KJV: And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

NKJV: And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.”)

One of the great heroes of faith mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11 was Moses. It was Moses whom God called onto Mount Sinai, after the exodus from Egypt, in order to receive the old covenant (Exodus 19:9–20). As explained in earlier verses, this involved a magnificent display by God, but this display was also terrifying. The combination of smoke, fire, loud sounds, and a command to not even touch the mountain was intimidating even to Moses (Deuteronomy 9:19). That, as it turns out, was part of the point of the entire incident. Like the old covenant itself, God's introduction of His law was meant to foreshadow a better, more complete arrangement later on: the new covenant in Jesus Christ.

The mention of Moses here helps to tie some of these different ideas together. Moses was already commended for his faith (Hebrews 11:24–28), and now he's included in the list of those who were frightened by God's presentation of the old covenant. This highlights the fact that God's awesome display was meant to inspire a certain kind of fear, and also to provide contrast to the eventual ministry of Christ. As the next verses point out, the new covenant is "presented" to mankind in a much more inviting, peaceful manner.

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.