Exodus 19:13 - No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether it is animal or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain.”

Generated Verse: Exodus 19:13

What does "Exodus 19:13" mean?


This verse from Exodus 19:13 is part of the instructions God gives to Moses regarding the Israelites' encounter with Him at Mount Sinai. Let's break down its meaning:

"No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether it is animal or man, he shall not live." This emphasizes the extreme holiness and danger of approaching Mount Sinai while God's presence is there. God is setting a boundary. No one, whether human or animal, is allowed to approach the mountain. If they do, they will be put to death, either by stoning or by being shot with arrows/darts. The reason that no one may touch this person or animal is the holiness of the mountain is too much.

"When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain." This provides a signal for when the Israelites are permitted to approach the mountain. A long blast on the trumpet indicates that God's presence has withdrawn or lessened, and it is safe for the people to approach. This signals that the special encounter is over and normal life can resume.

In essence, this verse conveys the following points:

God's holiness and separateness: The mountain is made holy by God's presence, and there is a strict boundary that must not be crossed. This highlights God's transcendent nature and the need for reverence and obedience in His presence.
The danger of approaching God improperly: Uncontrolled access to God is seen as dangerous. There's a specific, prescribed way to approach Him.
God's provision for a controlled encounter: While God establishes a boundary, He also provides a signal (the trumpet blast) that indicates when it is safe to approach. This demonstrates God's willingness to meet with His people, but only on His terms.
Respect for boundaries: The verse is a reminder that there are consequences for disobeying God's commands.

This verse is significant because it underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and in accordance with His instructions. It also prepares the Israelites for the giving of the Ten Commandments and the establishment of the covenant between God and His people.

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