What does Exodus 20:18 teach about reverence and fear of the Lord? Setting the Scene at Sinai “When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sounding of the ram’s horn, and the mountain in smoke, they trembled and stood at a distance.” — Exodus 20:18 What the People Saw and Heard • Thunder and lightning: visible and audible displays of divine power • Ram’s horn blast: a piercing call signaling God’s presence (cf. Exodus 19:16) • Mountain in smoke: tangible evidence of holiness and judgment (cf. Hebrews 12:18) Immediate Human Response • Trembling—physical reaction to overwhelming holiness • Standing at a distance—instinctive recognition of God’s otherness and their own unworthiness Reverence Defined • Awe rooted in God’s majesty, not mere fright • Recognition that God is utterly set apart (cf. Isaiah 6:1–5) • Willing submission that flows from knowing His character (cf. Psalm 33:8–9) Why Fear of the Lord Matters • Foundation of wisdom: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10) • Guardrail against sin: healthy fear keeps us from casual disobedience (cf. Exodus 20:20) • Doorway to fellowship: paradoxically, reverent fear draws us into deeper trust (cf. Psalm 25:14) From Sinai to Today • God is still holy, still awesome, still worthy of trembling respect (Malachi 3:6) • Through Christ we approach with confidence yet never lose reverence (Hebrews 12:28–29) • Daily responses: worship with sincerity, obedience with eagerness, humble gratitude for grace |
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