God descends to the mountain top and calls Moses up. He warns again: no one else may approach, not even priests. Moses goes down to enforce command.

God descending on Mount Sinai in fire and smoke, calling Moses up, while Moses goes down to enforce the command that no one else may approach, even the priests. The people stand at a distance in awe, the mountain trembling under God’s presence.

(It reads in Exodus 19:20–25) The Lord came down onto the top of Sinai mountain. Then the Lord told Moses that he must come up to the top of the mountain. So, Moses went up the mountain. The Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down to the people. Warn them that they must stay away from the mountain. They must not cross the line to try to see me, the Lord. If they do that, many of them will die. Even the priests must make themselves clean before they come near to me. If they do not obey this command, I will punish them. I am the Lord.’ Moses said to the Lord, ‘The people cannot come up Sinai mountain. You warned us that we must make a line round the edge of the mountain. You said that we must make the mountain a special place.’ The Lord replied, ‘Now go back down. Then bring Aaron up with you. But the priests and the people must stay where they are. They must not try to come up here where I am. If they come across the line, I will punish them.’ So Moses went down to the people. He told them what the Lord had said.

Father God, You, are the God who descends in fire & calls us close. You set boundaries for our good, that we may honor Your holiness & walk safely in Your presence. Teach us to listen when You speak, to obey when You command, & to trust that Your ways protect and guide us. Like Moses, give us courage to come near. Like the people, give us reverence to stand in awe. Keep our hearts pure, our steps steady, & our lives devoted to Your glory. Love You, thank You, praise You & give You all the honor & glory in Jesus Precious Name, Amen.