Exodus 19:21 - Yahweh said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze, and many of them perish.
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What does "Exodus 19:21" mean?
This verse from Exodus 19:21 is part of a larger narrative describing the theophany, or appearance of God, at Mount Sinai. Let's break down the meaning:
"Yahweh said to Moses..." This establishes that God is communicating directly with Moses, the leader of the Israelites.
"...Go down, warn the people..." Moses is being instructed to return to the Israelite camp below the mountain. The emphasis is on warning the people.
"...lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze..." This is the crux of the verse. The phrase "break through" suggests that the Israelites might attempt to approach or climb the mountain to get a closer look at Yahweh. The word "gaze" indicates a passive but unauthorized observation of the Divine Presence. The verse highlights the need to respect the boundary between humanity and the divine.
"...and many of them perish." This is the consequence of disobedience. The verse suggests that approaching God without proper authorization or preparation is dangerous and can be fatal. The holiness and power of God are so overwhelming that they are potentially destructive to those who are not prepared to encounter them.
In summary, the verse means that God is instructing Moses to warn the Israelites not to try to come up the mountain to look at him. The implication is that attempting to do so would be dangerous and could result in death because of the holiness and power of God.
Key Interpretations and Considerations:
Holiness and Inaccessibility of God: This verse reinforces the idea that God is holy and separate from humanity. God is not casually accessible, and approaching God requires proper mediation and preparation.
The Importance of Boundaries: The prohibition against approaching the mountain highlights the importance of boundaries and respect for divine authority. It emphasizes that humans cannot simply take what they want from God but must approach him on his terms.
Moses as Mediator: Moses plays a crucial role as the mediator between God and the people. He is entrusted with communicating God's commands and ensuring the safety of the Israelites.
Fear of God: The verse emphasizes the fear of God, which is not simply terror, but a deep reverence and respect for his power and holiness.
Symbolic Interpretation: Some scholars interpret the mountain and the prohibition against approaching it as symbolic of the distance between God and humanity due to sin.
Overall, Exodus 19:21 is a warning against unauthorized and presumptuous approaches to God, emphasizing the holiness, power, and potential danger of the divine presence.
Exodus 19:21 - Yahweh said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze, and many of them perish.
What does "Exodus 19:21" mean?
This verse from Exodus 19:21 is part of a larger narrative describing the theophany, or appearance of God, at Mount Sinai. Let's break down the meaning:
"Yahweh said to Moses..." This establishes that God is communicating directly with Moses, the leader of the Israelites.
"...Go down, warn the people..." Moses is being instructed to return to the Israelite camp below the mountain. The emphasis is on warning the people.
"...lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze..." This is the crux of the verse. The phrase "break through" suggests that the Israelites might attempt to approach or climb the mountain to get a closer look at Yahweh. The word "gaze" indicates a passive but unauthorized observation of the Divine Presence. The verse highlights the need to respect the boundary between humanity and the divine.
"...and many of them perish." This is the consequence of disobedience. The verse suggests that approaching God without proper authorization or preparation is dangerous and can be fatal. The holiness and power of God are so overwhelming that they are potentially destructive to those who are not prepared to encounter them.
In summary, the verse means that God is instructing Moses to warn the Israelites not to try to come up the mountain to look at him. The implication is that attempting to do so would be dangerous and could result in death because of the holiness and power of God.
Key Interpretations and Considerations:
Holiness and Inaccessibility of God: This verse reinforces the idea that God is holy and separate from humanity. God is not casually accessible, and approaching God requires proper mediation and preparation.
The Importance of Boundaries: The prohibition against approaching the mountain highlights the importance of boundaries and respect for divine authority. It emphasizes that humans cannot simply take what they want from God but must approach him on his terms.
Moses as Mediator: Moses plays a crucial role as the mediator between God and the people. He is entrusted with communicating God's commands and ensuring the safety of the Israelites.
Fear of God: The verse emphasizes the fear of God, which is not simply terror, but a deep reverence and respect for his power and holiness.
Symbolic Interpretation: Some scholars interpret the mountain and the prohibition against approaching it as symbolic of the distance between God and humanity due to sin.
Overall, Exodus 19:21 is a warning against unauthorized and presumptuous approaches to God, emphasizing the holiness, power, and potential danger of the divine presence.