And the people stood at a distance as Moses approached the thick darkness where God was. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 20:21? 2. How does Exodus 20:21 illustrate God's presence in our daily lives today? 3. What can we learn about reverence from Moses approaching the "thick darkness"? 4. How does Exodus 20:21 connect with other instances of God's presence in Scripture? 5. How should we respond when God seems distant, as in Exodus 20:21? 6. What practical steps can we take to seek God's presence like Moses did? 7. Why did Moses approach the thick darkness where God was in Exodus 20:21? 8. How does Exodus 20:21 illustrate God's presence in darkness? 9. What is the significance of God being in thick darkness in Exodus 20:21? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 20? 11. 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? 12. 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? 13. 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? 14. 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? Discussion Questions 1. What does the thick darkness in Exodus 20:21 teach us about the nature of God's presence?2. How does Moses' role as a mediator in this passage point to the work of Jesus Christ in the New Testament? 3. In what ways can we cultivate a healthy reverence for God's holiness in our daily lives? 4. How do the Israelites' reactions to God's presence at Sinai compare to our approach to God today? 5. What practical steps can we take to draw near to God with confidence, as encouraged in the New Testament?1. What does the commandment "You shall have no other gods before Me" mean to you personally? 2. How can you apply the principle of not taking God's name in vain in your daily life? 3. How does the commandment about the Sabbath reflect God's care for His creation? 4. Why do you think God included a commandment about honoring parents? 5. What does the prohibition against murder, adultery, theft, false testimony, and covetousness tell you about God's views on personal integrity and respect for others? 6. How did the Israelites react to God's display of power and what does this reveal about their understanding of God? 7. How can we balance a healthy fear of God with the knowledge of His love for us, based on Moses' words? 8. Why do you think God insisted on not having an altar built with stones shaped by tools? 9. How does God's command about not ascending His altar on steps relate to the principles of humility and respect in worship? 10. In a modern context, what might "making gods of silver or gold" look like, and how can we avoid this? 11. How does God's promise to come and bless the Israelites wherever His name is remembered encourage you in your faith? 12. Why might God have chosen to communicate these commandments at this particular point in the Israelites' journey? 13. How does understanding the Ten Commandments affect your view of God's character? 14. How can we practically honor the Sabbath day in our modern society? 15. Why do you think God associated keeping His commandments with loving Him? 16. How can we ensure that we do not "covet" in today's materialistic society? 17. What lessons can we draw from the Israelites' fear of God speaking directly to them? 18. How does the concept of the Sabbath day promote physical and mental well-being? 19. What does the instruction for building an altar tell us about God's desire for sincerity in worship? 20. How does the warning against exposing nakedness on the altar metaphorically relate to our attitude and behavior in worship? Links Exodus 20:21 NIVExodus 20:21 NLT Exodus 20:21 ESV Exodus 20:21 NASB Exodus 20:21 KJV Exodus 20:21 Commentaries Bible Hub |



