“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 is a verse that occurs immediately after the Ten Commandments are given to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. It reflects an important theme that runs throughout the Bible: the fear of God.
Context:Exodus 20 contains the Ten Commandments, which were given by God to Moses to guide the Israelites in their relationship with Him and with one another. The commandments include instructions about worshiping God alone, honoring parents, not stealing, not committing adultery, and more. In verse 20, Moses reassures the people and provides insight into God’s purpose behind giving them these commandments.
Fear not:Moses begins by addressing the fear of the people. The Israelites had witnessed the awe-inspiring presence of God on the mountain, accompanied by thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud (Exodus 20:18). This display of divine power and majesty understandably evoked fear among the people. Moses tells them not to fear, reassuring them that the purpose of God’s manifestation is not to harm them but to accomplish something beneficial.
God is come to prove you:Moses explains that God’s coming is for the purpose of testing or proving the people. It is not to test God’s knowledge of them but to reveal their own hearts and loyalty. God wants to see whether the Israelites will obey His commandments and follow His ways. This testing or proving process serves to refine and strengthen their faith and commitment.
His fear may be before your faces:Moses emphasizes that the fear of God should be ever-present in their lives. This fear is not a paralyzing terror but a reverential awe and deep respect for God’s holiness, power, and authority. It is an awareness that their actions have consequences and that they should live in a manner that aligns with God’s righteous standards.
That ye sin not:The ultimate purpose of God’s coming and the establishment of the fear of Him is to prevent the Israelites from sinning. The fear of God acts as a deterrent, reminding them of the seriousness of disobedience and the importance of obedience to God’s commandments. By keeping God’s commandments, the Israelites can avoid the harmful consequences of sin and experience the blessings of a righteous life.
In summary, Exodus 20:20 teaches us that God’s intention in revealing Himself and giving the Ten Commandments is to test and prove the Israelites, establish a reverential fear of Him, and guide them in righteous living. This verse highlights the importance of living in obedience to God’s commandments and demonstrates God’s desire to lead His people away from sin and towards a life of holiness and blessing.
