Exodus 20:20 - Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 20:20" mean?
This verse from Exodus 20:20 is crucial in understanding the relationship between God, fear, and obedience in the Old Testament. Let's break it down:
"Moses said to the people, 'Don't be afraid...'": This seems counterintuitive, as the event preceding this verse is the giving of the Ten Commandments amidst thunder, lightning, and the sound of a trumpet. The people are terrified, and understandably so. Moses is trying to calm their immediate, paralyzing fear. He's not saying they shouldn't be reverent or respectful, but rather that they shouldn't let fear completely overwhelm them.
"...for God has come to test you...": The awe-inspiring display of God's power serves as a test. This test is not necessarily about tricking or trying to fail the people. The test is to see if they will acknowledge God's authority and power and choose to obey Him. It's about their willingness to submit to God's commands.
"...and that his fear may be before you...": This is the key to understanding the verse. The "fear of God" in this context is not simply being scared of God's power. It's a reverential awe, respect, and recognition of God's authority, holiness, and justice. It's a deep sense of God's presence and the understanding that He sees and knows everything. This type of "fear" is a motivating factor for righteous behavior.
"...that you won't sin.": This is the purpose of the "fear of God." When you have a true and proper reverence for God, it leads to obedience. The understanding that God is holy and powerful, and that sin is an offense against Him, acts as a deterrent. The fear of displeasing God, or of breaking faith with Him, will help one stay true to moral and ethical principles. It serves as a moral compass and a safeguard against temptation.
In summary:
The verse is saying that the experience of God's power, while initially frightening, should lead to a deeper, more profound "fear" – a reverential awe that motivates obedience and prevents sin. It's not about being paralyzed by terror, but about having a healthy respect for God that guides one's actions and choices. The ultimate aim is not to frighten the people into submission, but to inspire them to live in accordance with God's will.
Other Considerations:
Context is Important: This verse occurs after the giving of the Ten Commandments. The people have just witnessed a dramatic display of God's power, so Moses is trying to channel their initial fear into a more constructive reverence.
Different Interpretations: While this is a common interpretation, there are other nuances to consider. Some scholars focus more on the testing aspect, emphasizing the idea of God refining and proving His people. However, the relationship between "fear of God" and obedience remains a central theme.
Fear vs. Reverence: It's important to distinguish between a paralyzing fear and a respectful reverence. The verse is advocating for the latter. The terror they experienced during the giving of the Ten Commandments should give way to a deeper sense of reverence that shapes their behavior.
Exodus 20:20 - Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that his fear may be before you, that you won’t sin.”
What does "Exodus 20:20" mean?
This verse from Exodus 20:20 is crucial in understanding the relationship between God, fear, and obedience in the Old Testament. Let's break it down:
"Moses said to the people, 'Don't be afraid...'": This seems counterintuitive, as the event preceding this verse is the giving of the Ten Commandments amidst thunder, lightning, and the sound of a trumpet. The people are terrified, and understandably so. Moses is trying to calm their immediate, paralyzing fear. He's not saying they shouldn't be reverent or respectful, but rather that they shouldn't let fear completely overwhelm them.
"...for God has come to test you...": The awe-inspiring display of God's power serves as a test. This test is not necessarily about tricking or trying to fail the people. The test is to see if they will acknowledge God's authority and power and choose to obey Him. It's about their willingness to submit to God's commands.
"...and that his fear may be before you...": This is the key to understanding the verse. The "fear of God" in this context is not simply being scared of God's power. It's a reverential awe, respect, and recognition of God's authority, holiness, and justice. It's a deep sense of God's presence and the understanding that He sees and knows everything. This type of "fear" is a motivating factor for righteous behavior.
"...that you won't sin.": This is the purpose of the "fear of God." When you have a true and proper reverence for God, it leads to obedience. The understanding that God is holy and powerful, and that sin is an offense against Him, acts as a deterrent. The fear of displeasing God, or of breaking faith with Him, will help one stay true to moral and ethical principles. It serves as a moral compass and a safeguard against temptation.
In summary:
The verse is saying that the experience of God's power, while initially frightening, should lead to a deeper, more profound "fear" – a reverential awe that motivates obedience and prevents sin. It's not about being paralyzed by terror, but about having a healthy respect for God that guides one's actions and choices. The ultimate aim is not to frighten the people into submission, but to inspire them to live in accordance with God's will.
Other Considerations:
Context is Important: This verse occurs after the giving of the Ten Commandments. The people have just witnessed a dramatic display of God's power, so Moses is trying to channel their initial fear into a more constructive reverence.
Different Interpretations: While this is a common interpretation, there are other nuances to consider. Some scholars focus more on the testing aspect, emphasizing the idea of God refining and proving His people. However, the relationship between "fear of God" and obedience remains a central theme.
Fear vs. Reverence: It's important to distinguish between a paralyzing fear and a respectful reverence. The verse is advocating for the latter. The terror they experienced during the giving of the Ten Commandments should give way to a deeper sense of reverence that shapes their behavior.