¹⁸ When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet^(A) and saw the mountain in smoke,^(B) they trembled with fear.^(C) They stayed at a distance ¹⁹ and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak^(D) to us or we will die.”^(E)

²⁰ Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid.^(F) God has come to test^(G) you, so that the fear^(H) of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”^(I)

²¹ The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness^(J) where God was.

Idols and Altars

²² Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven:^{(K) 23} Do not make any gods to be alongside me;^(L) do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.^(M)

²⁴ “‘Make an altar^(N) of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings^(O) and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name^(P) to be honored, I will come to you and bless^(Q) you. ²⁵ If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool^(R) on it. ²⁶ And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts^(S) may be exposed.’