Heb 12:18-22 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Heb 12:18-24: 12:18-24 This passage contrasts the old covenant with the new. The old covenant, represented by Mount Sinai (12:18-21 ), is depicted as impersonal, intimidating, and unapproachable; it booms, flashes, and terrifies. The new covenant, represented by Mount Zion (12:22-24 ), is depicted as relational, welcoming, and celebratory. 12:18 The descriptions of Mount Sinai come directly from God’s encounter with Israel at that mountain (see Exod 19:16-22 ; 20:18-21 ; Deut 4:11-12 ; 5:23-27 ). The images communicate separation from a holy God.

a12:18-24►

b12:18-21►

c12:22-24►

d12:18►

eExod 19:16-22►

f20:18-21►

gDeut 4:11-12►

h5:23-27►

i12:19►

jExod 19:16►

k19►

l20:18►

mDeut 4:12►

nExod 20:19►

o12:22►

‏ Hebrews 12:18-22

Summary for Heb 12:18-24: 12:18-24 ^a This passage contrasts the old covenant with the new. The old covenant, represented by Mount Sinai (12:18-21 ^b), is depicted as impersonal, intimidating, and unapproachable; it booms, flashes, and terrifies. The new covenant, represented by Mount Zion (12:22-24 ^c), is depicted as relational, welcoming, and celebratory. 12:18 ^d The descriptions of Mount Sinai come directly from God’s encounter with Israel at that mountain (see Exod 19:16-22 ^e; 20:18-21 ^f; Deut 4:11-12 ^g; 5:23-27 ^h). The images communicate separation from a holy God.
12:19 ⁱ The awesome trumpet blast and a voice terrified the people (see Exod 19:16 ^j, 19 ^k; 20:18 ^l; Deut 4:12 ^m) so that they begged God to stop speaking (Exod 20:19 ⁿ).
12:22 ^o No: There is a strong contrast between the old and the new covenant. Believers have now come to wonderful Mount Zion, which is closely associated with Jerusalem and represents God’s dwelling place.

• heavenly Jerusalem: See study note on 8:5.

• The new covenant constitutes a relationship with God by which we experience his presence with joy, peace, and fellowship.