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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 20:21 And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/20-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/02_Exo_20_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 20:21 - Moses Comforts the People" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was." /><script type="application/javascript" 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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/20-20.htm" title="Exodus 20:20">◄</a> Exodus 20:21 <a href="/exodus/20-22.htm" title="Exodus 20:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/exodus/20.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/exodus/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/exodus/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/exodus/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/exodus/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/exodus/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God <i>was</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/exodus/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So the people stood afar off, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God <i>was.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/exodus/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God <i>was.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/exodus/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/exodus/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick cloud where God <i>was.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/exodus/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the people stood at a distance, but Moses came near the dense gloom where God <i>was</i>.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/exodus/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So the people stood at a [safe] distance, but Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/exodus/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the people remained standing at a distance as Moses approached the total darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/exodus/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the people remained standing at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/exodus/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/exodus/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But when Moses went near the thick cloud where God was, the people stayed a long way off. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/exodus/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/exodus/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The people kept their distance while Moses went closer to the dark cloud where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/exodus/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But the people continued to stand a long way off, and only Moses went near the dark cloud where God was. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/exodus/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the people stood at a distance, and Moses approached the thick cloud where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/exodus/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/exodus/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The people kept their distance, but Moses drew near the thick darkness where God was. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/exodus/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The people stayed at a distance, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/exodus/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/exodus/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The people stayed at a distance, and Moses came near to the thick darkness where God was. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/exodus/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the people stand far off, and Moses has drawn near to the thick darkness where God [is].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/exodus/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the people stand afar off, and Moses hath drawn nigh unto the thick darkness where God is.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/exodus/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the people will stand from far off, and Moses will draw near to the darkness where God is there.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/exodus/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the people stood afar off. But Moses went to the dark cloud wherein God was. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/exodus/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the people stood far away. But Moses approached toward the mist, in which was God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/exodus/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So the people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the dark cloud where God was. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/exodus/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the people stood at a distance, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/exodus/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/exodus/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the people stood at a distance and Moshe came to the thick darkness of the place of God.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/exodus/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the people stood afar off; but Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/exodus/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the people stood afar off, and Moses went into the darkness where God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/exodus/20-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=5092" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/exodus/20.htm">Moses Comforts the People</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>“Do not be afraid,” Moses replied. “For God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him may be before you, to keep you from sinning.” <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">And the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">stood</a> <a href="/hebrew/7350.htm" title="7350: mê·rā·ḥōq (Prep-m:: Adj-ms) -- Or rachoq; from rachaq; remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially.">at a distance</a> <a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: ū·mō·šeh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">as Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/5066.htm" title="5066: nig·gaš (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To draw near, approach. ">approached</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6205.htm" title="6205: hā·‘ă·rā·p̄el (Art:: N-ms) -- Cloud, heavy cloud. Probably from araph; gloom.">the thick darkness</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence."></a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">God was.</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-5.htm">Deuteronomy 5:5</a></span><br />At that time I was standing between the LORD and you to declare to you the word of the LORD, because you were afraid of the fire and would not go up the mountain. And He said:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Hebrews 12:18-21</a></span><br />For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; / to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. / For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/24-2.htm">Exodus 24:2</a></span><br />Moses alone shall approach the LORD, but the others must not come near. And the people may not go up with him.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/33-9.htm">Exodus 33:9-11</a></span><br />As Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and remain at the entrance, and the LORD would speak with Moses. / When all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance to the tent, they would stand up and worship, each one at the entrance to his own tent. / Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12</a></span><br />Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/6-1.htm">2 Chronicles 6:1</a></span><br />Then Solomon declared: “The LORD has said that He would dwell in the thick cloud.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-2.htm">Leviticus 16:2</a></span><br />And the LORD said to Moses: “Tell your brother Aaron not to enter freely into the Most Holy Place behind the veil in front of the mercy seat on the ark, or else he will die, because I appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/12-5.htm">Numbers 12:5</a></span><br />and the LORD came down in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the Tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When both of them had stepped forward,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2</a></span><br />Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-11.htm">Psalm 18:11</a></span><br />He made darkness His hiding place, and storm clouds a canopy around Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/6-16.htm">1 Timothy 6:16</a></span><br />He alone is immortal and dwells in unapproachable light. No one has ever seen Him, nor can anyone see Him. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-5.htm">1 John 1:5</a></span><br />And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-5.htm">Matthew 17:5</a></span><br />While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-7.htm">Mark 9:7</a></span><br />Then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and a voice came from the cloud: “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/9-34.htm">Luke 9:34-35</a></span><br />While Peter was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. / And a voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, whom I have chosen. Listen to Him!”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.</p><p class="hdg">the people</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Exodus 19:16,17</a></b></br> And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that <i>was</i> in the camp trembled… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/5-5.htm">Deuteronomy 5:5</a></b></br> (I stood between the LORD and you at that time, to shew you the word of the LORD: for ye were afraid by reason of the fire, and went not up into the mount;) saying,</p><p class="hdg">thick</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/8-12.htm">1 Kings 8:12</a></b></br> Then spake Solomon, The LORD said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/6-1.htm">2 Chronicles 6:1</a></b></br> Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-9.htm">Psalm 18:9,12</a></b></br> He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness <i>was</i> under his feet… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/exodus/14-10.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/exodus/14-20.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/exodus/14-20.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/exodus/19-13.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/exodus/14-10.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Far</a> <a href="/exodus/20-20.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/exodus/20-20.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-9.htm">Obscurity</a> <a href="/exodus/19-17.htm">Places</a> <a href="/exodus/19-17.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/exodus/19-16.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/24-1.htm">Afar</a> <a href="/exodus/32-19.htm">Approached</a> <a href="/exodus/24-15.htm">Cloud</a> <a href="/leviticus/13-6.htm">Dark</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Darkness</a> <a href="/exodus/24-1.htm">Distance</a> <a href="/exodus/24-2.htm">Drawn</a> <a href="/leviticus/9-5.htm">Drew</a> <a href="/exodus/23-7.htm">Far</a> <a href="/exodus/21-29.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/exodus/20-22.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/4-11.htm">Obscurity</a> <a href="/exodus/20-24.htm">Places</a> <a href="/exodus/30-18.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/exodus/32-26.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/exodus/28-14.htm">Thick</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-1.htm">The ten commandments are spoken by Jehovah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-18.htm">The people are afraid, but Moses comforts them</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">Idolatry is forbidden</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/exodus/20-23.htm">Of what sort the altar should be</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/20.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>And the people stood at a distance</b><br>This phrase highlights the fear and reverence the Israelites felt in the presence of God's holiness. The distance signifies the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, a recurring theme throughout Scripture. This separation is also seen in the structure of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, where only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies once a year. The people's fear is a reminder of the awe and respect due to God, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."<p><b>as Moses approached</b><br>Moses acts as a mediator between God and the people, a role that foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ. In <a href="/1_timothy/2-5.htm">1 Timothy 2:5</a>, Christ is described as the one mediator between God and humanity. Moses' approach signifies his unique relationship with God, as he is called a friend of God in <a href="/exodus/33-11.htm">Exodus 33:11</a>. This approach also demonstrates Moses' faith and obedience, qualities that are essential for leadership and service to God.<p><b>the thick darkness</b><br>The thick darkness represents the mystery and majesty of God's presence. Darkness often symbolizes God's inscrutability and the limits of human understanding, as seen in <a href="/psalms/97-2.htm">Psalm 97:2</a>, "Clouds and thick darkness surround Him." This imagery is consistent with other theophanies in the Bible, such as the cloud on Mount Sinai and the darkness at the crucifixion of Christ (<a href="/matthew/27-45.htm">Matthew 27:45</a>). The darkness also serves as a protective barrier, shielding the people from the full glory of God, which no one can see and live (<a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Exodus 33:20</a>).<p><b>where God was</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the reality of God's presence with His people, despite the barriers of sin and fear. God's presence is central to the covenant relationship with Israel, as He promises to dwell among them (<a href="/exodus/29-45.htm">Exodus 29:45-46</a>). The presence of God in the thick darkness also points to the incarnation of Christ, where God dwells among humanity in the person of Jesus (<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>). This presence is both comforting and awe-inspiring, reminding believers of God's immanence and transcendence.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a></b><br>The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a></b><br>Refers to the Israelites who were delivered from Egypt and were now at Mount Sinai to receive God's commandments.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/thick_darkness.htm">Thick Darkness</a></b><br>Represents the presence of God on Mount Sinai, a manifestation of His divine majesty and holiness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Almighty, who is revealing His Law to Moses and establishing a covenant with the Israelites.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/m/mount_sinai.htm">Mount Sinai</a></b><br>The mountain where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, a significant location for the Israelites' covenant with God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/reverence_for_god's_holiness.htm">Reverence for God's Holiness</a></b><br>The Israelites' distance from the thick darkness signifies a deep reverence for God's holiness. We are called to approach God with the same awe and respect.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mediatorship_of_moses.htm">Mediatorship of Moses</a></b><br>Moses acts as a mediator between God and the people, foreshadowing Christ's role as our ultimate mediator. We can draw near to God through Jesus, who intercedes for us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_darkness.htm">God's Presence in Darkness</a></b><br>The thick darkness symbolizes God's mysterious and incomprehensible nature. Even when we cannot see or understand, God is present and working.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/fear_and_faith.htm">Fear and Faith</a></b><br>The Israelites' fear of God's presence can remind us of the balance between fear of the Lord and faith in His goodness. Healthy fear leads to obedience and trust.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/approaching_god_with_confidence.htm">Approaching God with Confidence</a></b><br>While the Israelites stood at a distance, through Christ, we are invited to draw near to God with confidence, knowing we are covered by His grace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_god_dwell_in_darkness_and_light.htm">2 Chronicles 6:1–2: If God is said to dwell in “thick darkness,” how does this align with other passages presenting God as light? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_exodus_33_11_align_with_33_20.htm">If Exodus 33:11 says Moses spoke with God 'face to face,' how do we reconcile this with Exodus 33:20 where God says no one can see His face and live?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_command_a_bronze_serpent.htm">Numbers 21:8-9 - Why would God command Moses to create a bronze serpent, seemingly at odds with prohibitions against idol-making in Exodus 20?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_numbers_20_8-11_and_exodus_17_6_differ.htm">Numbers 20:8-11 - Why does this passage seem inconsistent with Exodus 17:6 regarding the instructions God gives Moses for drawing water from a rock?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The people stood afar off</span>. They retired from the base of Sinai to their tents, where they "stood," probably in their tent doors<span class="cmt_word">. And Moses drew near unto the thick darkness</span>. As the people drew back, Moses drew near. The display which drove them off, attracted him. He did not even fear the "thick darkness" - a thing front which human nature commonly shrinks. Where God was, he would be. <p> CHAPTER 20:22-26 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/exodus/20-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">And the people</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stood</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּעֲמֹ֥ד</span> <span class="translit">(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at a distance</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵרָחֹ֑ק</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rā·ḥōq)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7350.htm">Strong's 7350: </a> </span><span class="str2">Remote, of place, time, precious</span><br /><br /><span class="word">as Moses</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֹשֶׁה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mō·šeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> </span><span class="str2">Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver</span><br /><br /><span class="word">approached</span><br /><span class="heb">נִגַּ֣שׁ</span> <span class="translit">(nig·gaš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5066.htm">Strong's 5066: </a> </span><span class="str2">To draw near, approach</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the thick darkness</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽעֲרָפֶ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ă·rā·p̄el)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6205.htm">Strong's 6205: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cloud, heavy cloud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">where</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God was.</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/exodus/20-21.htm">Exodus 20:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/exodus/20-21.htm">OT Law: Exodus 20:21 The people stayed at a distance (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/20-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 20:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 20:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/20-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 20:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 20:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>