Exodus 19:21 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God instructs Moses to warn the people not to break the boundary and gaze at God, lest they die.
The Context of Exodus 19:21
God warns Moses about the boundary and its deadly consequences.
What Does Exodus 19:21 Mean?
God gives Moses an urgent instruction: he must go down and charge the people with a warning. The warning is that they must not break through the established boundary in an attempt to approach or gaze at the Lord. To do so would result in death; God's holiness is not something human eyes can safely behold without preparation or authorization.
The danger is real and immediate. The awesome manifestations of fire, smoke, and quaking might tempt the people to draw closer, but doing so would be fatal. God's concern protects the people from their own impulse to approach beyond what is safe for them. Moses must communicate this boundary with absolute clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 19:21
What does Exodus 19:21 mean?
God instructs Moses to warn the people not to break the boundary and gaze at God, lest they die.
What is the context of Exodus 19:21?
God warns Moses about the boundary and its deadly consequences.