Exo 20:18-21 | MHM | STEP | Terror with Which the Law Was Given This passage describes the powerful and frightening way God gave the law at Mount Sinai. The thunder, lightning, and trumpet sounds made the people feel the greatness of God and the seriousness of his commands. God wanted the people to truly respect him and understand that breaking his law is no small thing. The fear they felt was also a picture of the final judgment and of the deep feelings the law can bring to our hearts. But this terror also helps us appreciate the kindness and grace that comes through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:18 ). v. 18 : When the people saw the thunder, lightning, smoke, and heard the trumpet, they were terrified and stood far away . Before God spoke, they wanted to come close and see, but now they understood how holy and powerful God is, and they kept their distance. After hearing God’s voice and seeing the thunder, lightning, and smoke, the people were afraid and asked Moses to speak to them instead. This showed how holy and serious God’s law is, and how much we need a mediator. Moses told them not to fear, but to let this experience help them respect God and avoid sin (Exodus 20:18–21 ). In summary, the Ten Commandments are the foundation for all of God’s laws. They show us what pleases God and what is right for us. We are called to obey out of gratitude, respect, and love for God who has saved us. These commandments teach us how to love our neighbors and live in peace with others. True religion involves both loving God and being fair and kind to other people. Godliness and honesty should always go together.

‏ Exodus 20:18-21

Terror with Which the Law Was Given

This passage describes the powerful and frightening way God gave the law at Mount Sinai. The thunder, lightning, and trumpet sounds made the people feel the greatness of God and the seriousness of his commands. God wanted the people to truly respect him and understand that breaking his law is no small thing. The fear they felt was also a picture of the final judgment and of the deep feelings the law can bring to our hearts. But this terror also helps us appreciate the kindness and grace that comes through Jesus Christ (Hebrews 12:18 ^a).

v. 18: When the people saw the thunder, lightning, smoke, and heard the trumpet, they were terrified and stood far away . Before God spoke, they wanted to come close and see, but now they understood how holy and powerful God is, and they kept their distance.

After hearing God’s voice and seeing the thunder, lightning, and smoke, the people were afraid and asked Moses to speak to them instead. This showed how holy and serious God’s law is, and how much we need a mediator. Moses told them not to fear, but to let this experience help them respect God and avoid sin (Exodus 20:18–21 ^b).

In summary, the Ten Commandments are the foundation for all of God’s laws. They show us what pleases God and what is right for us. We are called to obey out of gratitude, respect, and love for God who has saved us.

These commandments teach us how to love our neighbors and live in peace with others. True religion involves both loving God and being fair and kind to other people. Godliness and honesty should always go together.

v. 19: The people begged Moses, You speak to us, and we will listen. But do not let God speak to us, or we will die (Exodus 20:19; Hebrews 12:19 ^c). They chose Moses as their mediator, agreeing to listen to God’s message through him. This shows us it is sometimes better for God to speak to us through his chosen messengers, like the Scriptures and teachers, rather than by frightening signs.

v. 20: Moses told the people, Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of him will keep you from sinning . The thunder and fire were not meant to destroy them but to teach them respect for God. God wants us to have a holy fear that leads us to obey him, not a fear that drives us away from him (Psalm 4:4 ^d).

v. 21: While the people stayed at a distance, Moses went near the thick darkness where God was . Moses could approach because God called him and gave him courage. In the same way, Jesus brings us close to God and gives us confidence to come to him (Jeremiah 30:21; Ephesians 3:12 ^e).