It reads in Exodus 20:18–21 Easy:  During all this time, the people in the valley heard the thundering and saw the lightning on the mountain. They saw smoke rising from the mountain and heard the sound of the trumpet. They were afraid and shook with fear. They stood away from the mountain and watched.  Then the people said to Moses, “If you want to speak to us, then we will listen. But please don’t let God speak to us. If this happens, we will die.” Then Moses said to them, “Don’t be afraid! God has come to test you. He wants you to respect him so that you will not sin.” The people stood far away from the mountain while Moses went to the dark cloud where God was. 

The People Tremble at God’s Presence.

“When the people saw the thunder and lightning… they trembled and stood at a distance.”

Meaning:

God’s presence was overwhelming — thunder, lightning, trumpet blasts, smoke, and a trembling mountain. The people were terrified and begged Moses to speak to them instead of God directly.

This moment reveals:

  • God’s holiness
  • the weight of His voice
  • the seriousness of His covenant
  • the human instinct to shrink back from divine glory

Moses reassures them: “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of Him will keep you from sinning.”

This is not terror — it is reverence. A holy awe that shapes obedience.

Heart Reflection:

Sometimes God’s presence shakes us. Not because He wants to scare us, but because He wants to wake us, steady us, and draw us into deeper reverence.

The people stood far off, but Moses drew near. There will always be moments when God invites us to step closer instead of stepping back.

Reverence is not fear that pushes us away — it is awe that pulls us closer.

Poetic Line:

Some mountains tremble so our hearts will learn to stand still before God.

Prayer:

“Lord, teach me to stand in holy awe of You. Let Your presence shape my choices, steady my steps, and draw me closer instead of farther away. Give me the courage of Moses, a heart that approaches You, even when the mountain shakes.” In Jesus Precious Name Amen.