“And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish.”
This verse is a part of the larger narrative of the Israelites’ encounter with God at Mount Sinai. Prior to this verse, the Israelites had been led out of Egypt by Moses, and they camped at the base of Mount Sinai. Here, God appeared to Moses and gave him instructions to convey to the people.
Historical Context:The events described in Exodus 19 take place around two months after the Israelites’ departure from Egypt. They had recently experienced the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the provision of manna in the wilderness. The Israelites had witnessed God’s power and faithfulness in their journey, and now they were about to have a unique encounter with Him at Mount Sinai.
God’s Command to Moses:In Exodus 19:21, God instructed Moses to go down from the mountain and “charge the people.” This means that Moses was to warn and instruct the Israelites about approaching God’s presence on the mountain. The people were eager to witness and experience the powerful presence of the Lord, but God wanted to establish boundaries for their safety.
The Danger of Breaking Through:God’s warning to Moses emphasizes the potential consequences if the people were to “break through unto the Lord to gaze.” The phrase “break through” implies crossing a boundary or barrier that God had set. The Israelites were not to approach God’s presence without proper preparation or permission. If they were to disregard this warning, it could result in their death.
The Principle of Reverence:The command to not “gaze” or “look” upon the Lord’s presence without permission reveals the principle of reverence. God is holy, majestic, and awe-inspiring. Approaching His presence in a casual or irreverent manner can lead to severe consequences. The people needed to understand the significance of God’s holiness and approach Him with respect and reverence.
Application:
- Reverence for God:Just as the Israelites were commanded to approach God with reverence, we too should approach Him with deep respect and honor. Our relationship with God is not to be taken lightly but with awe and reverence for who He is.
- Recognizing God’s Boundaries:God establishes boundaries for our benefit. We must understand and respect these boundaries, which are designed to protect us. In our pursuit of experiencing God’s presence and understanding His Word, we should seek to align ourselves with His guidelines and instructions.
- Obedience to God’s Instructions:Moses faithfully conveyed God’s warning to the Israelites, demonstrating the importance of obedience to God’s commands. We should also be diligent in obeying God’s instructions and communicating His truth to others.
- Seeking God’s Presence:While the Israelites were not to approach God’s presence in an unauthorized manner, we are encouraged to seek Him wholeheartedly through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. We have the privilege to enter into His presence through Jesus Christ, who has made a way for us to approach God with confidence.
Remember that studying the Bible is an ongoing process, and it’s beneficial to explore different translations, consult commentaries, and seek guidance from spiritual leaders to gain deeper insights into God’s Word.
