Exodus 20:21 - The people stayed at a distance, and Moses came near to the thick darkness where God was.
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What does "Exodus 20:21" mean?
Exodus 20:21 describes a stark contrast between the people of Israel and Moses after the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Let's break down the meaning:
"The people stayed at a distance..." This refers to the Israelites. They were terrified by the powerful displays of God's presence: thunder, lightning, the trumpet blast, and the fire on the mountain. They begged Moses not to have God speak to them directly anymore, fearing for their lives (Exodus 20:19). Their fear and awe caused them to keep a safe distance from the source of this power and authority. They recognized their unworthiness and the potential danger of approaching God directly.
"...and Moses came near to the thick darkness where God was." This is the key contrasting point. While the people recoiled in fear, Moses, their leader and mediator, approached the "thick darkness" where God's presence manifested. "Thick darkness" is often interpreted as the cloud or mist that shrouded the mountain, symbolizing the mystery and unknowability of God. It's important to note that this isn't literal darkness in a negative sense, but rather a representation of God's transcendence and the limitations of human understanding.
What does it mean as a whole?
The verse highlights the following:
God's transcendence and the difficulty of directly approaching Him: The "thick darkness" emphasizes that God is beyond human comprehension and access. He cannot be fully understood or controlled.
Moses' unique role as a mediator: Moses' willingness to approach the "thick darkness" where the people feared to go underscores his role as a mediator between God and Israel. He was the chosen one, privileged to have a closer relationship with God and to receive His laws on behalf of the people.
The contrast between human fear and divine invitation: The verse highlights a difference in perspective. The people, aware of their sinfulness, were terrified of God's power. Moses, though also respectful and in awe, had a closer relationship with God and was willing to approach Him, acting on an invitation and a sense of duty.
The importance of mediation: The Israelites, feeling overwhelmed by God's presence, requested a mediator. Moses fulfilled that role, demonstrating the need for a mediator to bridge the gap between the divine and the human.
In essence, Exodus 20:21 portrays the awe-inspiring and potentially overwhelming power of God, the fear and respect it inspired in the Israelites, and Moses' unique role as a mediator who could approach God on their behalf. It sets the stage for Moses to receive the full Law on Mount Sinai, which he would then communicate to the people.
Exodus 20:21 - The people stayed at a distance, and Moses came near to the thick darkness where God was.
What does "Exodus 20:21" mean?
Exodus 20:21 describes a stark contrast between the people of Israel and Moses after the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Let's break down the meaning:
"The people stayed at a distance..." This refers to the Israelites. They were terrified by the powerful displays of God's presence: thunder, lightning, the trumpet blast, and the fire on the mountain. They begged Moses not to have God speak to them directly anymore, fearing for their lives (Exodus 20:19). Their fear and awe caused them to keep a safe distance from the source of this power and authority. They recognized their unworthiness and the potential danger of approaching God directly.
"...and Moses came near to the thick darkness where God was." This is the key contrasting point. While the people recoiled in fear, Moses, their leader and mediator, approached the "thick darkness" where God's presence manifested. "Thick darkness" is often interpreted as the cloud or mist that shrouded the mountain, symbolizing the mystery and unknowability of God. It's important to note that this isn't literal darkness in a negative sense, but rather a representation of God's transcendence and the limitations of human understanding.
What does it mean as a whole?
The verse highlights the following:
God's transcendence and the difficulty of directly approaching Him: The "thick darkness" emphasizes that God is beyond human comprehension and access. He cannot be fully understood or controlled.
Moses' unique role as a mediator: Moses' willingness to approach the "thick darkness" where the people feared to go underscores his role as a mediator between God and Israel. He was the chosen one, privileged to have a closer relationship with God and to receive His laws on behalf of the people.
The contrast between human fear and divine invitation: The verse highlights a difference in perspective. The people, aware of their sinfulness, were terrified of God's power. Moses, though also respectful and in awe, had a closer relationship with God and was willing to approach Him, acting on an invitation and a sense of duty.
The importance of mediation: The Israelites, feeling overwhelmed by God's presence, requested a mediator. Moses fulfilled that role, demonstrating the need for a mediator to bridge the gap between the divine and the human.
In essence, Exodus 20:21 portrays the awe-inspiring and potentially overwhelming power of God, the fear and respect it inspired in the Israelites, and Moses' unique role as a mediator who could approach God on their behalf. It sets the stage for Moses to receive the full Law on Mount Sinai, which he would then communicate to the people.