Hebrews 12:18-21

These verses describe the giving of the Old Covenant at Mt. Sinai (cf. Hebrews 2:2-4; Exodus 19:9-23; Deuteronomy 4:11; Deuteronomy 9:8-19). [Note: See J. M. Casey, "Eschatology in Hebrews 12:14-29: An Exegetical Study" (Ph.D. dissertation, Catholic University of Leuven, 1977), p. 318.] The writer made Sinai and Zion metaphors to show the difference in quality between relationship to God under the Old and New Covenants (cf. Galatians 4:24-26). [Note: See D. G. Peterson, "The Prophecy of the New Covenant in the Argument of Hebrews," Reformed Theological Review 38 (1979):79-80.] The emphasis in this comparison is on the holiness of God and the fearful consequences of incurring His displeasure (cf. Judges 13:20; 1 Kings 8:12; 1 Kings 18:38; Nahum 1:3; Matthew 24:30-31; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16). God was far from the Israelites, and even Moses felt terror.