Êxodo 20:21

21. The people stood afar off As stated in Exodus 20:18. After Moses had gone up unto the thick darkness where God was, the people returned to their tents as they had been instructed . Comp . Deuteronomy 5:30. It would seem from Exodus 19:24, that when Moses at this time drew near unto the divine presence, Aaron accompanied him . In the profound and various symbolism by which God revealed himself through the Mosaic legislation, it was fitting that his own divine person should be hidden in thick darkness, ( ערפל ,) and no manner of likeness or similitude of Deity be exhibited to any eye. So, later, in the construction of the tabernacle, the most holy place, the immediate throne-chamber of Jehovah, was made in the form of a perfect cube, and veiled in darkness. Comp. Exodus 25:22; Leviticus 16:2; 1 Kings 8:12. Jehovah thus signifies that his power and wisdom and ways are wrapped in mystery, and cannot be searched by mortal eyes .