Hebrews 12:18,19 - You have not come to a mountain that can be touched

12:18

12:18-21 and 12:22-24 contrast the situation under the Law with the current situation under the gospel. The first part reminds them of what the situation under the Law was like, and focuses on the giving of the Law at Sinai. First of all it was given at a mountain that could be touched. Hebrews frequently contrasts the physical tabernacle with the heavenly one, and it is the heavenly one that is the more real! The giving of the Law was awesome, there was fire, darkness, gloom and storm. It was a terrifying experience.

12:19

The Law was given with a trumpet blast that put fear in the hearts of the people (Ex 19:16; 20:18). When they heard the voice they begged to hear no more. So they requested that only Moses go to hear what God had to say. A contrast between the Law and the Gospel is that now all can hear from God. Through the cross we are brought near. Under the Law there was always a distance.