“And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.”
Context:Exodus 20 marks a significant moment in the biblical narrative as it contains the giving of the Ten Commandments to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. These commandments were given by God to establish a covenant relationship with His people and to provide them with guidelines for righteous living. Exodus 20:21 occurs immediately after the Ten Commandments are proclaimed.
The People Stood Afar Off:After experiencing the awe-inspiring display of God’s presence on the mountain, the people of Israel stood at a distance. The manifestation of God’s glory and power was overwhelming, causing them to fear and reverence Him. This response highlights the holiness and majesty of God and the recognition of human inadequacy in His presence.
Moses Drew Near:In contrast to the people standing at a distance, Moses was called by God to draw near to the thick darkness where God’s presence resided. This emphasizes Moses’ unique role as the mediator between God and the people. Throughout the Exodus narrative, Moses acted as the intermediary, conveying God’s instructions and leading the Israelites.
The Thick Darkness:The thick darkness mentioned in the verse represents the mysterious and awe-inspiring presence of God. It symbolises the divine transcendence, highlighting that God’s ways are higher than human understanding. The darkness also conveys the sacredness and hiddenness of God’s presence, signifying the need for reverence and humility when approaching Him.
Application:
- Reverence and Awe:The people’s response to God’s presence teaches us the importance of approaching God with reverence and awe. Recognising His holiness and power should lead us to worship and honour Him with humility and respect.
- Mediatorship of Christ:Moses served as a mediator between God and the Israelites in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ fulfils the ultimate role of a mediator, bridging the gap between God and humanity. Through faith in Christ, we can draw near to God and experience a personal relationship with Him.
- Seeking God’s Presence:Just as Moses drew near to the thick darkness to encounter God, we are encouraged to seek God’s presence earnestly. It is through seeking Him in prayer, studying His Word, and cultivating a relationship with Him that we can experience His transformative power and guidance in our lives.
Remember to read the surrounding verses and consult various Bible commentaries to gain a deeper understanding of the context and meaning of any Bible passage.
