And the people stood at a distanceThis 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
Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge."
as Moses approached
Moses acts as a mediator between God and the people, a role that foreshadows the ultimate mediation of Jesus Christ. In1 Timothy 2:5, 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 inExodus 33:11. This approach also demonstrates Moses' faith and obedience, qualities that are essential for leadership and service to God.
the thick darkness
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 inPsalm 97:2, "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 (Matthew 27:45). The darkness also serves as a protective barrier, shielding the people from the full glory of God, which no one can see and live (Exodus 33:20).
where God was
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 (Exodus 29:45-46). 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 (John 1:14). This presence is both comforting and awe-inspiring, reminding believers of God's immanence and transcendence.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to receive the Law on Mount Sinai.
2.
The PeopleRefers to the Israelites who were delivered from Egypt and were now at Mount Sinai to receive God's commandments.
3.
Thick DarknessRepresents the presence of God on Mount Sinai, a manifestation of His divine majesty and holiness.
4.
GodThe Almighty, who is revealing His Law to Moses and establishing a covenant with the Israelites.
5.
Mount SinaiThe mountain where God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses, a significant location for the Israelites' covenant with God.
Teaching Points
Reverence for God's HolinessThe 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.
Mediatorship of MosesMoses 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.
God's Presence in DarknessThe thick darkness symbolizes God's mysterious and incomprehensible nature. Even when we cannot see or understand, God is present and working.
Fear and FaithThe 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.
Approaching God with ConfidenceWhile 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.
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?What Does Exodus 20:21 Mean
And the people stood at a distanceThe scene comes right after the giving of the Ten Commandments. Israel has just heard “thunder and lightning, a trumpet, and the mountain in smoke” (Exodus 20:18).
• The people’s choice to step back highlights awe‐filled fear. Their reaction mirrorsDeuteronomy 5:23-27, when they begged Moses to speak for God so they would not die.
•Hebrews 12:18-21 recalls this same trembling assembly to contrast law and grace—showing that their distance underscores the unapproachability of God apart from a mediator.
• The literal setting teaches us reverence. God’s holiness is not casual; even New Testament believers are urged, “Let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28-29).
as Moses approachedMoses alone steps forward—already identified by God inExodus 19:3-6 as the covenant mediator.
•Exodus 24:1-2 will repeat this solitary ascent, underscoring Moses’ unique role.
• His approach foreshadows the greater Mediator, Jesus, who “entered the Most Holy Place once for all” (Hebrews 9:12).
• The pattern: people remain back, mediator draws near, covenant is confirmed. This sequence affirms both the need for and the sufficiency of divinely appointed mediation.
the thick darknessThe phrase signals the tangible manifestation of God’s presence.
• Earlier,Exodus 20:21 said God descended “in thick cloud.” Here it is intensified: “thick darkness.”
•1 Kings 8:12 notes, “The LORD has said that He would dwell in thick darkness,” showing continuity in how He veils His glory.
•Psalm 97:2 adds, “Clouds and darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are His throne’s foundation.” Darkness, then, is not evil but a protective covering of overwhelming holiness.
•Deuteronomy 4:11 reminds Israel that the mountain “burned with fire to the heart of the heavens, amid darkness, cloud, and thick gloom,” tying the imagery directly to Sinai.
where God wasDespite the darkness, Scripture states plainly that God Himself is present.
•Exodus 33:14-23 will clarify that no one can see His full glory and live, yet He graciously reveals as much as His people can bear.
• The juxtaposition of darkness and divine presence teaches that God’s nearness is both intimate and guarded. Even under the new covenant, we still approach a holy God—yet now we do so “by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19-22).
•2 Corinthians 4:6 captures the paradox: “God… has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Jesus Christ.” He is the Light, yet He chooses to conceal Himself in darkness for our protection.
summaryExodus 20:21 presents a vivid snapshot of covenant worship:
• Israel’s distance reveals the rightful fear of sinful humanity before a holy God.
• Moses’ advance showcases the necessity of a mediator.
• The thick darkness emphasizes God’s awe‐inspiring, unapproachable glory.
• God’s personal presence in that darkness assures His commitment to be with His people.
Taken together, the verse teaches that holiness and grace meet at Sinai—anticipating the ultimate meeting at Calvary, where our greater Mediator brings us near “to the throne of grace” (Hebrews 4:16).
Verse 21. -
The people stood afar off. They retired from the base of Sinai to their tents, where they "stood," probably in their tent doors
. And Moses drew near unto the thick darkness. 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.
CHAPTER 20:22-26
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And the peopleהָעָ֖ם(hā·‘ām)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockstoodוַיַּעֲמֹ֥ד(way·ya·‘ă·mōḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsat a distanceמֵרָחֹ֑ק(mê·rā·ḥōq)Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7350:Remote, of place, time, preciousas Mosesוּמֹשֶׁה֙(ū·mō·šeh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverapproachedנִגַּ֣שׁ(nig·gaš)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5066:To draw near, approachthe thick darknessהָֽעֲרָפֶ֔ל(hā·‘ă·rā·p̄el)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6205:Cloud, heavy cloudwhereאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatGod was.הָאֱלֹהִֽים׃(hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 20:21 The people stayed at a distance (Exo. Ex) 
