Exodus 20:19-21

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

¹⁹ and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will hear; but let not God speak to us, lest we die.” ²⁰ And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear; for God has come to prove you, and that the fear of him may be before your eyes, that you may not sin.”

The Law concerning the Altar

²¹ And the people stood afar off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.