Hebrews 12:18
“For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest”
Context:To better understand Hebrews 12:18, let’s explore its context within the book of Hebrews. The author of Hebrews wrote to a group of Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and tempted to return to Judaism. The central theme of the book is the superiority of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant over the Old Covenant.
The Mount That Might Be Touched:In this verse, the author contrasts the experience of the Israelites at Mount Sinai with the present experience of the readers. The “mount that might be touched” refers to Mount Sinai, where God gave the Ten Commandments and established the Old Covenant with Israel. The reference to “burned with fire” recalls the scene described in Exodus 19:18, where the mountain was covered in smoke and fire as God’s presence descended upon it.
Blackness, Darkness, and Tempest:The author continues the description of the scene at Mount Sinai, emphasizing the awe‑inspiring and terrifying nature of that encounter. The terms “blackness, darkness, and tempest” convey a sense of fear and judgment. The people were confronted with the holiness and majesty of God, experiencing thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud (Exodus 19:16). This vivid imagery underscores the severe nature of the Old Covenant.
A Contrast:The main purpose of Hebrews 12:18 is to highlight the contrast between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. The author reminds the readers that they have not come to a physical mountain with a tangible experience of God’s presence. Instead, they have come to something far greater‑the heavenly Mount Zion and the spiritual realities it represents.
The Heavenly Mount Zion:In the subsequent verses, the author describes the readers’ true destination‑the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God, and an innumerable company of angels (Hebrews 12:22-24). This heavenly reality signifies the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. It emphasises the superior nature of their spiritual experience in comparison to the physical manifestations at Mount Sinai.
Application:Hebrews 12:18 encourages believers to appreciate the surpassing greatness of the New Covenant in Christ. It reminds us that we have a better covenant, based on better promises (Hebrews 8:6). Instead of approaching God with fear and trembling as the Israelites did, we can come to Him boldly through Jesus’ sacrifice (Hebrews 4:14-16). We are invited to a relationship with God characterised by grace, forgiveness, and access to His presence.
In conclusion, Hebrews 12:18 serves as a reminder of the surpassing greatness of the New Covenant in Christ, contrasting it with the fearful experience of the Israelites at Mount Sinai. It encourages believers to embrace the spiritual realities and privileges of the New Covenant and to approach God with confidence through Jesus Christ.
