And Moses said unto the LORD, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.
Moses spoke as surety for the people, supposing them obedient enough to keep the boundary already set; but God's reply showed he was mistaken, judging others by his own piety. Yet he obeyed God's fresh command at once, teaching us that our private judgments must yield to God's authority alone.
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
Moses assumes the charge already given is so solemn, and the bounds so firm, that the people will never dare attempt to break through and approach the mount. He sees no need for further warning, thinking the fence and sanctification sufficient to restrain them.
AI summary