Exodus 20:21
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
Exodus 20:21
As the people stand at a distance, Moses draws near to the thick darkness where God is present. The imagery of darkness signifies mystery, holiness, and the incomprehensibility of God in His immediate presence. The people’s withdrawal contrasts Moses’ courageous approach to meet with God on their behalf. Thick darkness communicates the divine self-disclosure that is not immediately accessible to all. It underscores a dynamic of separation between divine holiness and human sinfulness, but also a channel through which God communicates through chosen mediator. Moses’ proximity represents faithful obedience and his role as conduit of revelation to Israel. The verse underscores the difference between God’s inaccessible majesty and humanity’s need for mediated presence. This moment enshrines the seriousness of approaching the divine and the trust God places in Moses as mediator.
This scene reinforces the theme of mediation and the mystery of God’s presence. It testifies to the limits of human approach to the holy without divine authorization and purification. It also foreshadows the ongoing need for a faithful mediator who can carry God’s word to the people. The thick darkness is not mere fear but a sanctifying barrier that preserves both God’s transcendence and the integrity of the covenant. In the broader biblical arc, the New Testament presents a perfect Mediator in Jesus Christ, who enters the “thick darkness” of human flesh to reveal the Father. This verse anchors the expectation and the pattern of divine contact through a chosen servant.
For believers today, the message is not to fear God into silence but to trust God’s chosen mediators—teachers, pastors, mentors—while nurturing personal relationship with God through prayer and Scripture. We should not demand unmediated experiences but lean into faithful access provided through Christ and community. In practical terms, when you sense God’s nearness in worship or prayer, respond with reverence and obedience. If you feel distant, seek the means God provides—the Word, corporate worship, prayer, and trusted counsel—rather than chasing private, unverified experiences. This approach helps cultivate a robust, communal faith.
Cross-References: Hebrews 12:18-29; 1 Timothy 3:15; John 1:18; Exodus 33:20