What does Hebrews 12:20 mean?

Explanation

Hebrews 12:20 refers to an incident recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in Exodus 19, during the Israelites' encampment at Mount Sinai. The writer of Hebrews is drawing the readers' attention to the time when God descended on Mount Sinai to give Moses the Ten Commandments.

The verse emphasizes the fear and awe that the Israelites felt in the presence of God's holiness and power.

The command that could not be endured likely refers to the strict prohibitions God placed around the mountain – that no person or animal should touch it, under penalty of death.

The mention of a beast being stoned or thrust through with a dart if it touched the mountain underlines the absolute sanctity of the space where God was revealing Himself.

The verse suggests the inaccessibility of God under the Old Covenant and the severity of His law, as well as the fear it instilled in the people.

Historical Context

The historical backdrop of Hebrews 12:20 is the Sinai Covenant, where the Israelites were wandering in the desert after their Exodus from Egypt.

This period is hallmark of the formation of the Israelite identity as God's chosen people, underscored by receiving the Law.

The specific incident referred to, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, is found in Exodus 19, where God's presence is manifested with thunder, lightning, a thick cloud, and a very loud trumpet blast.

This was a formative event in the narrative of the Israelites, and it firmly established the nature of the relationship between God and His people, marked by awe, fear, and reverence for the Divine Law.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Hebrews 12:20 is often discussed in the context of God's holiness and the concept of fear of God. In the Old Testament theology, there is a recurring theme of God's unapproachable holiness and the seriousness of His laws and commandments.

The verse highlights the stark contrast between the Old and New Covenants – the former characterized by distance and fear, and the latter by the offer of grace, approachability, and intimacy with God through Christ.

Theologians also see this verse as emphasizing the need for respect and reverence for God, as well as the severity of the consequences of disobedience.

Practical Applications

In contemporary application, Hebrews 12:20 teaches the importance of revering the sanctity and holiness of God.

While the New Testament invites believers to approach God's throne with confidence through Christ, this verse reminds us that God is still holy and deserving of our deep respect.

It warns against casual or flippant attitudes towards God and calls believers to recognize the gravity of sin and disobedience.

Cross-References

• Exodus 19:12-13: "And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:"
• Hebrews 12:18-19: "For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,"
• Deuteronomy 5:23-26: "And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;"

Language Study

Key words in Hebrews 12:20 include:

• "Endure": From the Greek verb "ἔφερον" (epheron), implying bearing or sustaining.

In this context, it denotes the inability to withstand or tolerate the formidable command.

• "Commanded": Derived from the Greek word “ἐντολὴ” (entole), referring to a commandment or ordinance.
• "Beast": The Greek "θηρίον" (thērion) typically means a wild animal or beast, underscoring the inclusiveness of the command to both humans and animals.
• "Stoned" or "thrust through with a dart": These phrases convey the severe consequences prescribed for violations, emphasizing the seriousness of the command.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Culturally and religiously, the idea of God's holiness being dangerous and untouchable is not unique to Judaism.

Many ancient religions had concepts of sacred spaces where ordinary people were not allowed under threat of severe punishment or death. For example, in some Mesopotamian myths, certain temples or city spaces were off-limits, symbolizing the separation between the divine and mortals.

This verse from Hebrews would resonate with a universal understanding of the sacred as something that demands respect and incites awe.

Scientific Perspectives

There are no direct scientific perspectives on this specific verse since it deals with theological principles and historical narrative rather than empirical claims.

However, the physiological and psychological responses to fear, awe, and the perception of sacredness are subjects of scientific study, touching upon how humans may react to experiences deemed holy or overwhelming.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators offer various interpretations of Hebrews 12:20.

Some suggest that the author of Hebrews is using the imagery of Mount Sinai to make a contrast with the New Covenant of grace and access to God through Jesus.

Others focus on the historical accuracy and fidelity to the Exodus account, reinforcing the continuity of God's story with Israel.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for example, speaks to the "terror of the legal dispensation" as shown at Mount Sinai, contrasting it to the grace of the Gospel which believers now enjoy through Christ.

Another common thread in commentaries is the discussion on the fear of God and what it means in a believer's life regarding reverence and obedience.