THEOSISPhilaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
In essence, the individual who seeks closeness to God and the holy place that represents His presence more than any other: within this person, the dwelling of God is most prominently revealed and signified, grace-filled for the deserving and unapproachable for the undeserving. Moses approached God at Sinai through fasting and purity and received the tablets of the law, becoming so radiantly transformed that the people could not behold the brightness of his face (Ex. 34:29). Hosea similarly approaches this sacred site of the tablets (2 Kings 6:7), not the tablets themselves but merely the area surrounding them, and he meets his demise. Hence, if one possesses faith, humbles oneself, and cleanses their conscience, the holiness of God strikes against sin and brings illumination to the individual; otherwise, it burns the guilt-ridden soul.