Exodus 20:21

Moses drew near unto the thick darkness— See note on ch. Exodus 19:20. See also ch. 24:

REFLECTIONS.—With pomp of terrible majesty God thus proclaims his holy will: an emblem of the dispensation the people were under, begetting terror and bondage; and designed to make the reception of the grace and truth which comes by Jesus Christ the more welcome. Observe,

1. The people's apprehensions. They are now cured of their curiosity, and trembling retreat even from the nearness permitted them; so fearful are they of the presence of God. They entreat Moses to be their mediator, whose terror cannot make them afraid. Who would have thought, that after such a scene the golden calf could on that spot have reared its guilty head?
2. Moses encourages them. Dejected hearts must be supported against their fears: God was come to prove, not to punish them; to put his fear before them that they sin not. A filial fear of offending is the great preservative from evil.
3. Moses, at God's command, returns to the thick darkness to commune with God. It is the property of divine faith to see through the thick cloud of sense, and hold communion with him who is invisible.