This verse is full of warning. When this great God comes near, it will not go unnoticed. The earth will start moving, an unprecedented storm will arise, and the fire will rage in full force. The words used here remind us of God’s presence at Sinai (see Exodus 19:16; Exodus 20:18). The people then even cried out to Moses: You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die
(Exodus 20:19). Moses responds with: Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin
(Exodus 20:20). Yet a speaking God is always better than a silent God. A God who is constantly at a distance, means that he just lets us muddle in our misery. Then there will be no more hope of salvation; we will become as those who go down to the pit
(Psalm 28:1). This God comes as our God.
He has an indomitable passion for his people. Yes, the whole world even comes into view. Jesus’ actions continue to prove that (John 3:16). But be warned, this good, seeking God stands no mocking. The images of devouring fire
and a mighty tempest
should also move us to fear him (Exodus 20:20).
3 Il vient, notre Dieu, il ne reste pas en silence;Devant lui est un feu dévorant,Autour de lui une violente tempête.