Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Exodus 19:13
There shall not an hand touch it, i.e. the mountain. But, 1. This seems to be a gross tautology, for it was twice forbidden in the words next foregoing. 2. So the word hand would seem to be ascribed both to man and beast. Others therefore render it touch him, i.e. they shall look upon such an impudent transgressor of my express command as an abominable person, whom they cannot touch without defilement, and therefore he shall be put to death in such a manner as may be performed without touching... read more
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible - Exodus 19:12
By this symbolical injunction God designed, 1. To restrain men’s curious and bold inquiries into the things of God. 2. To possess the Israelites then present, and all succeeding generations, with the dread and reverence of the Divine Majesty, and of his holy law. 3. To prepare and inure the people to the obedience of God’s commands, even when they discern not the reasons of them. 4. To make them sensible of their own impurity and infirmity, and of their absolute need of a mediator, through whom... read more