On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled.
God shook the mountain with thunder, lightning, and smoke so that the people would tremble before Him and receive His Law with awe rather than contempt. The terror itself is part of the message: the Law produces nothing but fear until the heart is subdued and cleansed, ready to obey.
AI summary
God Himself was the preacher that day, descending in fire with ten thousand holy angels attending His majesty. The mountain shook and smoked as His throne; the trumpet grew louder and louder, calling the guilty to assemble, a sound of war to those who knew their sin.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 19:16-25
The thunder, lightning, and thick cloud were meant to seize the people's attention and strike them with awe of the Divine Being. But mark the contrast: the Law's trumpet terrifies with curses and wrath; the Gospel trumpet is a jubilee of grace and mercy, bringing comfort instead of dread.
AI summary