⁴ Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about half a mile^[a] behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you don’t come any closer.”

¹² Mark off a boundary all around the mountain. Warn the people, ‘Be careful! Do not go up on the mountain or even touch its boundaries. Anyone who touches the mountain will certainly be put to death.

²⁸ Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. ²⁹ For our God is a devouring fire.

² In the past,^[a] even when Saul was king, you were the one who really led the forces of Israel. And the Lord your God told you, ‘You will be the shepherd of my people Israel. You will be the leader of my people Israel.’”

¹⁰ But Moses pleaded with the Lord, “O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.”

⁵ “Do not come any closer,” the Lord warned. “Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground.

² And Jacob began to notice a change in Laban’s attitude toward him.