18 All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking ; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance . 19 Then they said to Moses , "Speak to us yourself and we will listen ; but let not God speak to us, or we will die ." 20 Moses said to the people , " Do not be afraid ; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain e with you, so that you may not sin ." 21 So the people stood at a distance , while Moses approached the thick cloud where e God was.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Exodus 20:18-21
Commentary on Exodus 20:18-21
(Read Exodus 20:18-21)
This law, which is so extensive that we cannot measure it, so spiritual that we cannot evade it, and so reasonable that we cannot find fault with it, will be the rule of the future judgment of God, as it is for the present conduct of man. If tried by this rule, we shall find our lives have been passed in transgressions. And with this holy law and an awful judgment before us, who can despise the gospel of Christ? And the knowledge of the law shows our need of repentance. In every believer's heart sin is dethroned and crucified, the law of God is written, and the image of God renewed. The Holy Spirit enables him to hate sin and flee from it, to love and keep this law in sincerity and truth; nor will he cease to repent.