Exodus 20:21 meaning

The people's response to divine revelation underscores their profound fear and distance from God during this pivotal moment at Mount Sinai. As Moses ascended into the thick darkness where God was present, the Israelites remained standing afar off, overwhelmed by both awe and trepidation. This reaction illustrates a critical aspect of their relationship with God—while they were called to engage with Him, their sin and fear kept them at a distance. This distance established the need for a mediator, exemplified by Moses, who acted as a bridge between the holy God and the sinful people.

In this setting, the importance of reverence towards God cannot be overstated. His terrifying presence was not meant to incite paralyzing fear but rather to foster a constructive fear that would keep the people from sinning. This sacred encounter serves not just to emphasize God’s holiness but also to highlight humanity's need for intercession. As stated in Exodus 20:21, "the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was," laying the groundwork for future sacrificial systems aimed at reconciling God's holiness with human fallibility.