Hebrews 12:21

"for they could not stand that which was commanded, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned”."

Key Reflection

Hebrews 12:21 underscores the profound awe and fear experienced by the Israelites at Mount Sinai when they heard God's direct commands. The verse alludes to Exodus, where Moses relays that even an animal touching the mountain would be stoned (Exodus 19:13). This stringent prohibition, coupled with the sheer intensity of hearing God speak directly, instilled such terror in the Israelites that they feared death, highlighting the overwhelming presence and power of the divine.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, etc. This is not recorded in the account of the giving of the law in Exodus, and it has been made a question on what authority the apostle made this declaration respecting Moses. In De 9:19, Moses indeed says of himself, after he had come down from the mountain, and had broken the two tables of stone that were in his hand, that he was greatly afraid of the anger of the Lord on account of the sin of the people. "I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure wherewith the Lord was wroth against you to destroy you;" and it has been supposed by many that this is the passage to which the apostle here alludes.

Related Verses

More from Hebrews 12

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion