01.29.2015 Old Testament: Exo 19.12–13

To read the Bible in a year, read Exodus 19–21 on January 29, In the year of our Lord 2015

By Don Ruhl

The God of heaven descended upon Mount Sinai in a cloud in view of all the Israelites. What a sight that must have been. In fact, it would have been such a marvelous sight, that they would be tempted to climb the mountain to see God. Therefore, He instructed Moses,

“You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain” (Exodus 19.12–13). 

Yet, later God would take on human flesh and dwell among us, allowing people to touch Him, and He touched them. For that to mean anything, humanity needed to see first the awesomeness of God as displayed at Sinai.