Exodus 20:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider the contrast between what was experienced there and what is present here. The people remained paralyzed by fear for an extended period, devoid of love. They were so engulfed by their dread that they implored Moses, “Speak to us... so that God does not speak to us, or we shall perish.” Indeed, as it is written, the Lord descended upon Sinai in flames, instilling terror in the hearts of those gathered there, and inscribed His commands on stone with His finger (Ex. 31:18), but their hearts remained untouched. Yet, when the Holy Spirit arrived here, all the faithful were united. He did not instill fear as He did on the mountain; instead, He filled the dwelling. Then, suddenly, there arose a sound from heaven, like the rushing of a powerful wind (Acts 2:2).

The individuals could hardly endure what they witnessed and heard, prompting a collective request to Moses to serve as the mediator of the law. The people willingly accepted God’s command to trust in all that Moses, instructed from above, would proclaim. Thus, they again approached the base of the mountain, with Moses remaining alone, embodying a different reality than those around him. While everyone surrendered to fear, Moses, left solitary, exhibited greater courage than his companions. Consequently, it becomes clear that the anxiety he initially experienced was not solely his own frailty but was endured out of compassion for those burdened by dread.

In Deuteronomy 5:27, the people express their desire to Moses, saying, "Come and hear what the Lord says... and recount it to us... ‘and we will listen and do it’." They are filled with awe at the terrifying vision and, trembling, seek Moses' intercession with God. The Lord acknowledges their request in Deuteronomy 5:28, expressing His wish, “Oh, if they had such a heart; that they should fear Me, and keep all My commandments all the days, that it may be well with them and their children for ever!” (Deut. 19:6), and desires to turn them away from idolatry permanently. However, the first generation from Egypt was so steeped in corruption that they created a golden calf merely forty days after the solemn proclamation of the law.