Hebrews 12:21
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The sight was so terrifying that even Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
the sight--the vision of God's majesty. quake--Greek, "I am in trembling"; "fear" affected his mind: "trembling," his body. Moses is not recorded in Exodus to have used these words. But Paul, by inspiration, supplies (compare Act 20:35; Ti2 3:8) this detail. We read in Deu 9:19, Septuagint, of similar words used by Moses after breaking the two tables, through fear of God's anger at the people's sin in making the golden calves. He doubtless similarly "feared" in hearing the ten commandments spoken by the voice of Jehovah.
Open source ↗The apostle, in this chapter, applies what he has collected in the chapter foregoing, and makes use of it as a great motive to patience and perseverance in the Christian faith and state, pressing home the argument, I. From a greater example than he had yet mentioned, and that is Christ himself (Heb 12:1-3). II. From the gentle and gracious nature of the afflictions they endured in their Christian course (Heb 12:4-17). III. From the communion and conformity between the state of the gospel-church on earth and the triumphant church in heaven (Heb 12:18 to the end).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
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On the third day, when morning came, there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud was upon the mountain, and a very loud blast of the ram’s horn went out, so that all the people in the camp trembled.
For I was afraid of the anger and wrath that the LORD had directed against you, enough to destroy you. But the LORD listened to me this time as well.
And as the sound of the ram’s horn grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and God answered him in the thunder.
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,
My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.
How can I, your servant, speak with you, my lord? Now I have no strength, nor is any breath left in me.”
So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless.