“And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.”
This verse comes after God had given the Ten Commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. The people had witnessed the thunder, lightning, and sound of the trumpet when God spoke the commandments directly to them. Overwhelmed by the awesome presence of God, they became afraid and approached Moses, requesting that he speak to them on behalf of God.
Context and Background:The book of Exodus narrates the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey to Mount Sinai. In Exodus 20, God establishes a covenant with the Israelites by giving them the Ten Commandments as the foundation of their relationship with Him.
Fear of God’s Presence:When the Israelites witnessed the powerful display of God’s presence at Mount Sinai, they were filled with awe and fear. The thunder, lightning, and the voice of God speaking the commandments caused them to feel overwhelmed by the holiness and majesty of God. Their response in Exodus 20:19 reflects their fear of approaching God directly.
Request for Mediation:The Israelites approached Moses and expressed their desire for him to act as an intermediary between them and God. They said, “Speak thou with us, and we will hear.” They were willing to listen to Moses and obey what he relayed to them from God. This request for mediation reveals their perception that direct interaction with God’s holiness might result in their demise.
Fear of Death:The Israelites’ fear of dying as a result of hearing God’s voice directly is expressed in the latter part of the verse: “but let not God speak with us, lest we die.” They believed that encountering the holiness and power of God directly would be too much for them to bear, and it could potentially lead to their death.
God’s Response:In the following verses, Moses reassures the people and explains that God’s intention was to test them and cause them to fear Him so that they would not sin (Exodus 20:20). Moses affirms that the fear of God should lead them to walk in obedience to His commandments.
Lessons and Applications:
- Reverence for God:The Israelites’ response reveals the overwhelming nature of God’s holiness and power. It reminds us to approach God with awe and reverence, acknowledging His sovereignty and greatness.
- Mediation through Christ:In the New Testament, Jesus Christ serves as the mediator between God and humanity. Through Him, we can approach God with confidence and receive salvation (1 Timothy 2:5, Hebrews 4:16).
- Fear of God and Obedience:The fear of God should not paralyze us but motivate us to walk in obedience to His commands. It reminds us of the importance of living a life that honors and pleases Him.
In summary, Exodus 20:19 depicts the Israelites’ fear of God’s direct presence and their request for Moses to mediate between them and God. This verse emphasizes the need for reverence and obedience in our relationship with God, and it foreshadows the role of Jesus Christ as our mediator in the New Testament.
