College Press Bible Study Textbook Series
Hebrews 12:18-21
C.
The nature of the old covenant in contrast with that of the new. Hebrews 12:18-24.
1.
The terror of the old. Hebrews 12:18-21.
Text
Hebrews 12:18 For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, Hebrews 12:19 and the sound of a trumpet, and the Voice of words; which Voice they that heard entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them; Hebrews 12:20 for they could not endure that which was enjoined, If even a beast touch a mountain, it shall be stoned; Hebrews 12:21 and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:
Paraphrase
Hebrews 12:18 Now, that ye may understand the value of your birthrights as Abraham's seed, (Galatians 3:18), which I am exhorting you not to throw away, know, that ye shall not, like your fathers, come to a tangible mountain which burned with fire, to show that God is a consuming fire to the impenitent; and to blackness, and to darkness, which was an emblem of the obscurity of the Mosaic dispensation, and to tempest.
Hebrews 12:19 And to the noise of a trumpet, like that by which the angels called the Israelites together to hear the law, and which, by waxing louder and louder, terrified the Israelites exceedingly; and to the sound of words uttered by God Himself, the hearers of which, strongly impressed with the holiness and power of their Lawgiver and Judge, earnestly entreated to hear not a word more, (Exodus 20:18-19).
Hebrews 12:20 Although, before they were affrighted by the voice of God, they could not bear that which was strictly commanded, Even if a beast touch the mountain while the symbol of the Divine Presence rests on it, it shall be stoned or shot through with an arrow. It seems they expected, by drawing near, to see God without being terrified.
Hebrews 12:21 And so terrible was that manifestation of the Divine Presence which appeared, that Moses cried to God, I am exceedingly afraid and quake.
Comment
For ye are not come unto a mount that might be touched
We have no sacred mount or place, as did the Jews. John 4:21. Adventist, you can-'t come to Mount Sinai and expect salvation, The mountain was not to be touched, although being a mount it might be touched. Exodus 19:12-13.
and that burned with fire
This was the way God taught them reverence, Cf. Deuteronomy 4:11 and Deuteronomy 5:4-5. This was magnificent, but not to be compared with our mount.
and unto blackness and darkness
We have the revelation of light. The blackness probably refers to a dark or thick cloud. Cf. Exodus 19:16.
and tempest
We have the one who stills the tempest. Tempest is not mentioned in Exodus or Deuteronomy, but it includes evidently the thunders and lightnings.
and the sound of a trumpet
Does this mean there is no musical instrument in the church or heaven?
a.
No, he is including the trumpet as part of the frightening experience. See Exodus 19:16; Exodus 20:18.
b.
Observe the use of musical instruments.
1.
Joel 2 was quoted on Pentecost.
2.
Joel 2:1: Blow the trumpet.
3.
Joel 2:15: Blow the trumpet.
a)
We may assume a musical instrument was used on the birthday of the church.
b)
Psalms 49:4, will open myon the harp, suggests the use of instruments in relationship to the Gospel.
and the Voice of words
The whole group heard the voice. Deuteronomy 5:22. Hebrews 12:26 says this Voice shook the earth.
which Voice they heard and entreated that no word more should be spoken unto them
The giving of the law excited terror; the Gospel brings peace. In Exodus 20:19 the people requested that Moses speak to them in place of the Voice.
for they could not endure that which was enjoined
Exodus 19 speaks of the serious bounds put on the people. The frightening trumpet, voice, quaking, and all was more than they could stand without a mediator.
if even a beast touch the mountain it shall be stoned
This was enjoined in Exodus 19:12-13. Absolute reverence was demanded, even to the animals being required to be away.
and so fearful was the appearance that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake
Is this statement of Moses found here only?
a.
Some suggest that Paul received it from Jewish tradition.
b.
Some say the author inferred it.
c.
Some suppose Exodus 19:16-17 is referred to where Moses stood with all the people.
In Exodus 19:19 we read, Moses spoke.
a.
What he spoke is not recorded.
b.
If Paul were inspired, he could have written what Moses said that day.
c.
Jesus promised the disciples guidance into all truth. See John 16:13.
Study Questions
2624.
What mountain is referred to in Hebrews 12:18?
2625.
Does the Christian have a sacred mountain?
2626.
What did Jesus say about worship at a mountain? Cf. John 4:21.
2627.
Why did the mount of Moses burn with fire? Cf. Deuteronomy 4:11; Deuteronomy 5:4-5.
2628.
What was the name of the mountain?
2629.
Could the mountain be touchedwas there any danger? Cf. Exodus 19:12-13.
2630.
What is meant by blackness and darkness?
2631.
How does darkness compare with our mountain?
2632.
What is meant by the word tempest?
2633.
Is there any tempest described? What could it refer to?
2634.
Was there a musical instrument at Mount Sinai?
2635.
Does this imply that a musical instrument is not to be included in the church?
2636.
Why is it mentioned? See Exodus 19:16; Exodus 20:18.
2637.
What is the trumpet referred to in Hebrews 12:19?
2638.
Tell of the various uses of the trumpet in the Bible.
2639.
What is referred to in the Voice of words? Cf. Hebrews 12:26 and Deuteronomy 5:22.
2640.
What was Israel's reaction to the words heard first from the mount?
2641.
Why did the Hebrews request the Voice to be silenced?
2642.
Will men ever feel that way again?
2643.
Does the Gospel strike terror to some?
2644.
How did the scene at Sinai impress the Hebrews?
2645.
What factors were frightening?
2646.
Why were animals forbidden to be near the mountain?
2647.
Should we be careless about the Lord's house today?
2648.
Why was the mountain out of bounds for man and beast?
2649.
Where did Moses make the statement found in Hebrews 12:21?
2650.
What explanations are made?
2651.
Could Moses have spoken with others recorded in Exodus 19:16-17?
2652.
In the giving of the law, what was Moses-' first reaction?
2653.
What did Moses speak in Exodus 19:19?
2654.
How did the author of Hebrews get this information?
2655.
Could John 16:13 be an answer?