Hebrews 12:21

The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, "I am trembling with fear."

Study Bible

The sight was so terrifying
This phrase refers to the awe-inspiring and fear-inducing manifestation of God's presence at Mount Sinai, as described in Exodus 19. The Greek word for "terrifying" is "phoberos," which conveys a sense of fear mixed with reverence. This event was marked by thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud, symbolizing God's holiness and power. The Israelites were instructed to consecrate themselves and not to approach the mountain, highlighting the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. This serves as a reminder of the gravity and seriousness of approaching God, emphasizing His majesty and the reverence due to Him.

that even Moses said
Moses, the leader and prophet of Israel, is depicted here as experiencing fear, which underscores the magnitude of the event. Moses is often seen as a mediator between God and the people, and his reaction indicates the overwhelming nature of God's presence. The use of "even" suggests that if someone as close to God as Moses was afraid, the event was indeed extraordinary. This highlights the humanity of Moses and the universal need for reverence before God, regardless of one's spiritual status.

'I am trembling with fear.'
The phrase "trembling with fear" translates the Greek "ekphobos eimi," which conveys an intense, visceral reaction. This expression of fear is not merely emotional but physical, indicating the profound impact of encountering the divine. In the context of Hebrews, this serves as a warning to the readers about the seriousness of turning away from God, who is both loving and just. The trembling of Moses can be seen as a metaphor for the appropriate response to God's holiness—a mixture of fear, awe, and respect. It calls believers to approach God with humility and reverence, recognizing His power and authority.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. He is known for receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and is a key figure in the context of Hebrews 12:21.

2. Mount Sinai
The mountain where God gave the Law to Moses. It is a place of divine revelation and awe, often associated with God's holiness and the fear it inspires.

3. The Israelites
The people of God who were led by Moses out of Egypt. They experienced God's presence at Mount Sinai, which was a pivotal moment in their history.

4. The Giving of the Law
This event at Mount Sinai was marked by thunder, lightning, and a thick cloud, creating a terrifying experience for those present, including Moses.

5. The New Covenant
While not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Hebrews 12 contrasts the old covenant at Sinai with the new covenant in Christ, emphasizing the difference between the fear of the law and the grace found in Jesus.

Teaching Points

The Holiness of God
The fear experienced by Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai underscores the holiness of God. We should approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His majesty and power.

The Fear of the Lord
While the fear at Sinai was rooted in terror, the fear of the Lord for believers today is a reverent awe that leads to wisdom and obedience.

The New Covenant of Grace
Unlike the terrifying experience at Sinai, believers are invited to approach God with confidence through Jesus Christ, who mediates a new covenant of grace and mercy.

The Role of Mediators
Moses served as a mediator between God and the Israelites. In the new covenant, Jesus is our perfect mediator, providing a way to approach God without fear.

Living in Reverence
Understanding the fear and trembling at Sinai should inspire us to live lives that honor God, reflecting His holiness in our actions and attitudes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the fear experienced by Moses at Mount Sinai inform our understanding of God's holiness today?

2. In what ways does the new covenant in Christ change our approach to God compared to the old covenant at Sinai?

3. How can we cultivate a healthy fear of the Lord that leads to wisdom and obedience in our daily lives?

4. What role does Jesus play as our mediator, and how does this impact our relationship with God?

5. How can we live in a way that reflects the reverence and awe due to God, as demonstrated by Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 19-20
These chapters describe the events at Mount Sinai, where the Israelites witnessed God's power and holiness, leading to fear and trembling.

Deuteronomy 9:19
Moses recounts his fear and trembling before God, providing a parallel to Hebrews 12:21 and emphasizing the seriousness of God's presence.

Hebrews 12:18-24
The broader context contrasts Mount Sinai with Mount Zion, highlighting the transition from the old covenant of fear to the new covenant of grace through Jesus Christ.