Meaning of Exodus 20:20

This verse, spoken by Moses to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, addresses their fear in the presence of God's overwhelming manifestation. The core message is that God's revelation, while terrifying due to its holiness and power, is not intended to be destructive but rather a catalyst for a reverent fear that leads to obedience and sin avoidance. The "testing" mentioned is not about God discovering something new about them, but rather about revealing their inner disposition and fostering a deeper, more abiding relationship with Him, grounded in awe rather than mere terror.

Context and Background

The Israelites had just witnessed the dramatic events at Mount Sinai, including thunder, lightning, smoke, and the audible voice of God giving the Ten Commandments (Exodus 19-20). This direct encounter with the divine was profoundly unsettling and even frightening for a people accustomed to the veiled presence of God. Their immediate reaction was to retreat, pleading with Moses to be their intermediary, lest they die from hearing God directly (Exodus 20:19). Moses' statement in Exodus 20:20 is a direct response to this palpable fear and a reinterpretation of the experience.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Revelation and Fear: God's presence is inherently awe-inspiring and can evoke fear due to His absolute holiness and power. This fear is not servile terror but a profound respect and recognition of His sovereignty.
• Testing and Character Revelation: The encounter serves as a test, not to discover God's ignorance, but to reveal the Israelites' hearts and to cultivate their spiritual character. It's an opportunity for them to learn to live in God's presence.
• Fear of God as a Safeguard: The verse explicitly links the "fear of God" to keeping them from sinning. This reverential awe acts as a moral compass, deterring them from transgressing God's commands.
• Moses as Intermediary: Moses' role as a mediator is highlighted, reassuring the people and interpreting God's intentions for them.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse speaks to the importance of approaching God with reverence. While the New Covenant in Christ removes the terror associated with direct divine encounter for believers (Hebrews 4:16), the principle of "the fear of the Lord" as the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10) remains relevant. It encourages a healthy awe of God's power and holiness, which in turn cultivates a desire to honor Him through obedience and to avoid actions that displease Him. This fear is not a paralyzing dread but a motivation for righteousness.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This event at Sinai is foundational to Israel's covenant relationship with God. It establishes the parameters of their identity as a people chosen by God, bound by His law. The fear of God cultivated here is intended to be the bedrock of their ongoing journey through the wilderness and into the Promised Land, shaping their interactions with Him and with each other. It sets the stage for the subsequent emphasis on obedience and the consequences of disobedience throughout the Old Testament.

Analogies

• A Child's Respect for a Parent: A young child might fear a parent's stern disapproval of misbehavior, not out of terror, but out of a desire to please and avoid disappointing the parent. This respect guides their actions.
• A Scientist's Awe of the Universe: A scientist studying the vastness and complexity of the cosmos might experience a profound sense of awe. This awe doesn't paralyze them but fuels their desire to understand and respect the natural order.
• A Soldier's Respect for Authority: A soldier respects the authority of their commanding officer, not necessarily out of personal affection, but out of an understanding of the officer's position and the importance of discipline for the unit's success. This respect ensures adherence to orders.

Relation to Other Verses

• Proverbs 9:10: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse directly echoes the sentiment that reverence for God is the foundation of true insight and righteous living.
• Deuteronomy 10:12-13: "And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?" This passage from Moses' later address to Israel reiterates the central importance of fearing God as the impetus for obedience and love.
• Hebrews 12:28-29: In the New Testament, the author of Hebrews connects the enduring kingdom of God with receiving it with thankfulness and reverence, stating, "Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire." This highlights the continuing relevance of awe and reverence in worship.