Exodus 20:18-21 -18 Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off 19 and said to Moses, “You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die.” 20 Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin.” 21 The people stood far off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.
God had just finished giving the Israelites the 10 commandments. As His people came up to the mountain and with the conclusion of this important message, God helped the Israelites understand the importance of obedience to his commands by having thunder and lightning and a sound of trumpets accompany this great declaration. The response was a shaking of fear of God in such a way that they were terrified to listen directly God, but wanted Moses to be the mediator. But Moses assured the people, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you that the fear of him may be before you that you may not sin." It is a play on the same word. Essentially what he is saying is, Don't be afraid of God, but be afraid of sinning against God. Let this fear of His holiness and His might be the basis from which you avoid sin and obey Him. Fear God, but do no be afraid of God. Reverence Him, and be afraid of anything that is contrary to Him. This is a test we certainly do not want to fail.
