²⁰ because they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned to death.”^{[a](A) 21} The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”^[b](B)

²² But you have come to Mount Zion,^(C) to the city^(D) of the living God,^(E) the heavenly Jerusalem.^(F) You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, ²³ to the church of the firstborn,^(G) whose names are written in heaven.^(H) You have come to God, the Judge of all,^(I) to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,^{(J) 24} to Jesus the mediator^(K) of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood^(L) that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.^(M)