Exodus 19:21
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.
Exodus 19:21 · King James Version
Meaning
In this verse, God instructs Moses to go down and warn the people not to come near the sacred mountain where God's presence dwells. The phrase "lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish" emphasizes the holiness and power of God that could harm the people if they approach without proper reverence. This warning highlights the importance of maintaining a respectful distance between humanity and the divine. The verse serves as a reminder of the need for obedience and humility in the presence of God, as well as the consequences of disregarding His commands. By heeding this warning, the Israelites are able to protect themselves from the danger of facing God's wrath for their disobedience.
Theological Overview
In the theological interpretation of this verse, we see the Lord instructing Moses to warn the people not to break through to His presence, as it could result in their perishing. This reveals God's holiness and the need for reverence when approaching Him. The phrase "to gaze" implies that the people were trying to see God in a casual or disrespectful manner, highlighting the importance of approaching God with awe and respect. By heeding this warning, the people were saved from destruction, demonstrating the mercy and compassion of the Lord. Additionally, this verse emphasizes the vital role of obedience in maintaining a relationship with God. Through word studies, we can delve deeper into the meaning and nuances of the original text, gaining a richer understanding of God's commands and intentions for His people. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of reverence, obedience, and humility in our relationship with the Almighty.
Exodus 19:21 in other translations
American Standard Version
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto Jehovah to gaze, and many of them perish.
World English Bible
Yahweh said to Moses, “Go down, warn the people, lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze, and many of them perish.
Douay-Rheims
He said unto him: Go down, and charge the people; lest they should have a mind to pass the limits to see the Lord, and a very great multitude of them should perish.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then the Lord said vnto Moses, Go down, charge the people, that they breake not their boundes, to go vp to the Lord to gaze, least many of them perish.