Meaning of Hebrews 12:21

This verse from Hebrews vividly illustrates the overwhelming and terrifying nature of encountering the divine presence in its unmediated glory, specifically referencing the experience of Moses at Mount Sinai. The author of Hebrews uses this stark depiction of Moses' fear to contrast the Old Covenant, established through a fearful and awe-inspiring manifestation of God's power, with the New Covenant, which is presented as a more accessible and liberating encounter with God through Jesus Christ. The trembling of Moses is not a sign of weakness or faithlessness, but rather a profound and appropriate human reaction to the holiness and power of God, which is too immense for mortal beings to bear directly without profound trepidation.

Context and Background

The author of Hebrews is drawing upon the account in Exodus 19-20, where God descends upon Mount Sinai in fire, smoke, and thunder to give the Law to Moses and the Israelites. The description in Exodus emphasizes the terrifying grandeur of this event: "Mount Sinai was completely covered in smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently" (Exodus 19:18). The people were instructed to stay at the foot of the mountain, for anyone who touched it would be put to death. Moses, however, was permitted to ascend and speak with God, yet even he, the mediator, expresses his fear, stating in Deuteronomy 18:16, "This is that voice of the living God that was heard from the midst of the fire, from the midst of the cloud and the deep darkness, with great sound; and it did not add anything more. And when they heard it, they pleaded that no more word should be spoken to them." Hebrews 12:21 directly quotes this sentiment, highlighting the raw, visceral fear that such a direct encounter engendered.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Majesty and Holiness of God: The verse underscores the immense power, holiness, and majesty of God. His presence is not to be approached lightly, and the natural human response is one of profound awe and fear.
• The Nature of the Old Covenant: The terrifying manifestation at Sinai is presented as characteristic of the Old Covenant, which was mediated through law and involved strict pronouncements and judgments. It was a covenant that revealed God's righteousness but also humanity's inability to perfectly meet His standards.
• Fear as a Response to Divine Encounter: The fear expressed by Moses is not portrayed as a flaw but as an honest and understandable reaction to the overwhelming reality of God's glory. It signifies an awareness of one's own finitude in the face of infinite power.
• Contrast with the New Covenant: The author of Hebrews uses this powerful imagery to draw a sharp contrast with the new covenant established through Jesus.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in understanding that while God is holy and fearsome, the New Covenant offers a way to approach Him without the same paralyzing terror. Jesus, as the mediator of the New Covenant, has bridged the gap created by sin and the awesome holiness of God. We can now approach God's throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16) because Jesus has appeased His wrath and purified us. The verse serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin and the immense sacrifice required for reconciliation. It also cautions against a casual or irreverent approach to God, even within the context of grace, by reminding us of His ultimate authority and holiness.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial link in the narrative arc of God's relationship with humanity. It represents a pivotal moment in the establishment of God's covenant with Israel, laying the foundation for their national and spiritual identity. The Law given at Sinai, though accompanied by fear, was God's framework for His people, revealing His will and the consequences of disobedience. The fear associated with it highlights the unbridgeable chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity under the Old Covenant. The book of Hebrews consistently argues that Jesus is superior to the Old Covenant system, and this reference to Moses' fear serves as a powerful illustration of the limitations and terror of that former system, thereby amplifying the grace and peace offered in the New Covenant.

Analogies

One analogy to understand Moses' fear is the reaction of a child encountering a powerful, authoritative figure like a judge or a king in their full regalia for the first time. The sheer presence, the pronouncements, and the weight of authority would naturally inspire awe and a sense of being insignificant and potentially subject to severe judgment. Another analogy is standing at the edge of a vast, turbulent ocean during a storm; the immense power of nature is humbling and terrifying, evoking a deep respect and a recognition of human vulnerability. Similarly, Moses stood before the unmediated, raw power of the divine, a force far beyond human comprehension or control.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 19:16-19 and 20:18-19: These passages directly describe the terrifying events at Mount Sinai that Hebrews 12:21 alludes to, emphasizing the fire, smoke, thunder, and the people's plea for Moses to intercede.
• Deuteronomy 5:22-27: This passage reiterates the people's fear and their request for Moses to be their intermediary, highlighting their inability to withstand God's direct voice.
• Hebrews 12:18-20: The verses immediately preceding this one provide the direct contrast, stating that believers have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that burns with fire, but to Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to Jesus.
• Hebrews 4:16: This verse offers the counterpoint to Moses' fear, encouraging believers to "come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." This highlights the transformation brought by the New Covenant.
• 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." This verse further emphasizes the contrast between the fear of the Old Covenant and the confidence found in God's love through Christ.