The people were terrified and stayed at a distance. Hebrews 12:18-24 contrasts the new covenant with the old one. Both are awesome and holy, but one drives people away, the other draws people in. The old covenant highlights are failings, the new covenant highlights what Jesus has achieved for us and what the Holy Spirit will do in us.
The people wanted Moses to speak to them, not God Himself. Clearly they had seen something that was tangible and real, but they were afraid to receive it, and so wanted Moses to act as an intermediary.
Moses reassured the people that God's only wish was to keep them from sinning, they needed to realise the seriousness of things.
Since God Himself had spoken to them, they must not make any idols or gods. As humans we have a terrible tendency to seek advice or support from anything else but God. We need to be on our guard against this tendency within ourselves.
Then Moses was instructed to make an altar, but was to use only undressed stones. Any attempt my men to make an image of God is defilement.
"When I cause my name to be honoured I will come to you and bless you". God was now on the side of the people.
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