Categories: Exodus

Exodus 20

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Exodus 20 Commentary

by Brad Boyles

The 10 Commandments illustrate the vertical and horizontal obedience that God desired for humanity. Jesus came to fulfill and (in many ways) raise the standard of the law. Mount Sinai was a particular summit on the ridge of Mount Horeb. If you remember, this is the same mountain where God appeared to Moses in the burning bush back in Exodus 3.

“Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.”
Exodus 3:1-2 NASB

However, the place I want to land is similar to what I wrote yesterday in Exodus 19. In Exodus 20:20 we see a fascinating phenomenon take place. As the people stood back at a distance from God, fearing for their lives, Moses became a mediator. The people actually ask Moses to speak to them for God, because they fear that if God speaks, they will surely die. Moses’ answer to them is powerful.

“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 with you, so that you may not sin.” 21 So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.”
Exodus 20:20-21 NASB

He has come in order to test you, that the fear of Him may remain with you. Wow! It’s such a weighty response. In this way, we experience a God who has no problem putting us in situations that are tough. His concern was not the temporary fear these people would experience, but the long-lasting sin-killing effect that His presence would have in their lives. Think about that for a moment.

We meet with God’s presence in His Word, in prayer, and through fellowship with other Spirit-filled believers. These are the daily disciplines that remind us of His power and fill us with awe and reverence. The effect is natural in our lives because being connected to Him will keep us away from sin. Let Him remain in you, so that you may not sin.

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