Deuteronomy 5:23
And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;
Original Language Analysis
Historical Context
The Sinai theophany (Exodus 19:16-19) included thunder, lightning, trumpet blast, smoke, fire, and earthquake. The mountain trembled violently; the people stood at a distance, terrified. This awesome display authenticated God's presence and Moses' prophetic authority. The people's fear was so intense they begged Moses to mediate all further revelation (Exodus 20:18-21, Deuteronomy 5:24-27). This event shaped Israel's understanding of God's holiness and unapproachability apart from proper mediation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Israel's terror at Sinai demonstrate that sinful humanity cannot approach the holy God without mediation?
- What does the contrast between Sinai's terror and Mount Zion's grace (Hebrews 12:18-24) teach about approaching God through Christ?
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Analysis & Commentary
Israel's response to God's voice—'when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness'—reveals appropriate fear before divine holiness. The people's terror demonstrates natural human awareness that sinners cannot stand before the holy God (Exodus 20:18-19). This reaction validates the need for mediation—Moses as type, ultimately Christ as superior Mediator. The phrase 'the mountain did burn with fire' emphasizes God's consuming holiness (Hebrews 12:29). Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), producing reverence and obedience. This theophany contrasts with New Covenant believers' approach through Christ to Mount Zion (Hebrews 12:18-24).