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18 You have not come to something[a] that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest,(A) 19 and the sound of a trumpet, and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that not another word be spoken to them.(B) 20 (For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned to death.”(C) 21 Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.”)(D)

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Footnotes

  1. 12.18 Other ancient authorities read a mountain

The Bible is a brutally honest book. It contains stories of liars, murderers, and adulterers; and these are the good guys. If we read the Bible looking only for positive role models, we’ll be quickly disappointed. But if we are honest with ourselves and confess our own faults, we will find in Scripture, particularly in the First Testament, that we have much in common with many broken saints of the past. But we must not stay broken. We must follow their path to transformation through repentance and faith. Repentance means a change of heart, a change of mind, and ultimately a change of how we live. God’s grace comes to us and enables us to turn away from sin and to turn back to Him.

18 You have not come to the place that can be touched (as Israel did at Mount Sinai)to a mountain crowned with blazing fire, darkness, gloom, and a windstorm— 19 or to the blast of a trumpet and the sound of a voice—a voice and message so harsh that the people begged not to hear another word. 20 (They could not bear the command that was given: that if even a beast touches the mountain, it must be stoned. 21 The sight was so terrible that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”)[a]

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