Exodus 20:19
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 20:19
19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
Chapter Context
Exodus 20 is a legal covenant chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, judgment. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it presents the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) as the cornerstone of biblical law. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 20:19
19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
Analysis
And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.
Israel requests mediation—'speak thou...let not God speak' (דַּבֵּר־אַתָּה...וְאַל־יְדַבֵּר, dabber-attah ve'al-yedabber). They cannot endure direct divine speech; Moses must intermediate. This establishes mediation's necessity—people need a go-between to approach holy God. Moses mediates the old covenant; Christ the new (1 Timothy 2:5). The phrase 'lest we die' (וְלֹא נָמוּת, velo namut) acknowledges their danger—God's voice kills unholy hearers. Deuteronomy 5:24-27 expands this: they rightly fear death from God's consuming glory. Hebrews contrasts Sinai's 'unbearable command' with Zion's gracious access (Hebrews 12:18-24). Christ endures God's wrath so we can hear God's voice without dying.
Historical Context
Israel's request for mediation pleased God (Deuteronomy 5:28)—they rightly assessed their need. The mediatorial principle structures all subsequent revelation—prophets, priests, finally Christ, the perfect Mediator.
Reflection
- Why is mediation necessary—why can't people approach God directly on their own terms?
- How does Christ's mediation improve upon Moses' mediation (Hebrews 8:6, 9:15)?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Deuteronomy 18:16
- Parallel theme: Exodus 33:20, Acts 7:38, Galatians 3:19