Moses
Exodus 20:21ASV·traditional attribution
And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.
Keil & Delitzsch Lutheran
The people held their distance while Moses alone drew near to the thick darkness where God dwelt, receiving further commands. This marks the transition from the first part of the law-giving to the second, preparing what comes next.
AI summary
Matthew Henry Presbyterian
God gave the law in thunder and lightning to show us His terrible majesty, to give us a foretaste of judgment day, and to humble our hearts before the gospel's comfort. The people had been bold enough to push forward before; now they learned to keep their distance, and begged Moses to speak for them instead.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 20:18-21