Exodus 20:20

And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

Exodus 20:20 (KJV)

Context

Exodus 20:20 comes immediately after the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. The Israelites had witnessed thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud, and they drew back in fear (Exodus 20:18). Moses speaks to calm them and to explain why God had revealed Himself in such power.

Meaning

Moses begins with the command “Fear not.” This is not a denial of their fear but a redirection. The people were terrified by God’s overwhelming presence, yet Moses tells them not to be afraid. He then explains the purpose: “God is come to prove you.” The testing is not for God’s benefit, for He already knows their hearts. It is for the people’s benefit, to reveal their own hearts and loyalty. God wanted to see whether they would obey His commandments and follow His ways.

Moses continues, “and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.” This fear is not a paralyzing terror but a reverential awe and deep respect for God’s holiness, power, and authority. It is a constant, conscious awareness of God’s presence and righteous standards. The purpose of this reverent fear is to keep the people from sin. It acts as a protective, sanctifying influence, reminding them of the seriousness of disobedience and the importance of obedience.

Biblical connections

This verse presents a paradox: the people are told not to be afraid, yet they are to have God’s fear before them. The resolution is that the fear of God is a holy awe, not a slavish dread. This distinction is crucial for understanding the proper response to God’s majesty. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), a theme that echoes the protective purpose of the reverent fear Moses describes here.

Application

God’s testing is purposeful and for our good. When we face trials or moments of conviction, we can trust that God is not trying to harm us but to refine our faith and draw us closer to Him. The proper response is not to flee from God but to fear Him in a way that leads to holiness. This reverent fear should be “before our faces,” shaping our daily choices and keeping us from sin.

Reflection

Moses acted as a mediator, calming the people and interpreting God’s actions. His role points to the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who calms human fear and brings believers into a right relationship with God. As we consider this verse, we can ask ourselves: Do we approach God with a holy awe that leads to obedience, or do we let fear drive us away? The fear of God is not incompatible with trust; it is the foundation of a life that avoids sin and honors Him.