Exodus 20:18-21 And all the people saw the thunder, and the lightning, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking… I. THE MODE OF THIS REVELATION WAS STRIKING (ver. 18). 1. Such a mode was necessary. (1) To reveal God's majesty — to men familiar with the puerilities of heathen worship; (2) to show that God was not to be trifled with, and His laws broken with impunity; (3) to meet the case of those open only to impressions made on their fear. 2. Such a mode served some of the most important functions of the old dispensation. (1) Preparatory; (2) symbolic. 3. Such a mode was appropriate, as accompanying judicial proceedings. II. THE RECEPTION OF THIS REVELATION WAS WHAT GOD INTENDED IT SHOULD BE. 1. Intelligent. 2. Reverent. 3. Prayerful. III. THE COMFORT OF THIS REVELATION DISARMED IT OF ALL ITS TERRORS. 1. The God of their fathers had spoken. 2. God had spoken for their encouragement. 3. God had spoken but to prove their loyalty to Him. If they could stand the test, what could harm them? (Romans 8:39). 4. God had spoken for their moral elevation. (1) "That His fear may be before your faces." (2) "That ye sin not" (1 John 2:1, 2).Learn — 1. Not to dread God's revelation. 2. To approach God through the one new and living way which is ever open. 3. To keep all God's laws in the strength of the comfort which His presence brings. (J. W. Burn.) Parallel Verses KJV: And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off. |
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