Exodus 20:18
And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.
Exodus 20:18
This climactic verse depicts the people’s awe after the theophany at Sinai: thunder, lightning, trumpet sounds, smoke, and fear. The communal response—standing afar off—reflects reverence, fear of divine holiness, and the recognition that God’s presence unsettles human autonomy. The scene serves as a theological pivot: the people are called to listen and receive the Law, but the experience also reveals human limits and the need for mediation ( Moses). The immediate effect is a measured humility before the holy God. The text emphasizes that revelation demands a response—worship, obedience, and a transformed life.
The thunder and smoke symbolize God’s majesty and otherness. The reaction underscores God’s insistence that people live under his rule, not merely entertain his presence. It also foreshadows the ongoing need for revelation, mediation, and law that guide Israel’s life. The experience builds anticipation for the potential of a future, fuller relationship with God through covenant faithfulness.
For readers today, this scene invites humility before God’s holiness and seriousness about his instruction. It prompts thoughtful engagement with Scripture—read it with awe rather than as mere rules. It also reminds us that encountering God should produce action: trust, repentance, and a life aligned with God’s will. Practical steps include regular worship, prayer, and study to internalize God’s standards rather than simply observing them externally.
Cross-References: Psalm 29; Hebrews 12:18-29; Exodus 19:16-25; Deuteronomy 5:22-33; Isaiah 6:1-5