Let’s read through the book of Hebrews one verse at a time in 2023. Every day explore a single verse and its cross references. AI-generated text draws the passages together. RSS feed.
For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.”
These cross references all relate to Hebrews 12:20 in that they emphasize the importance of following the law, and the consequences of not doing so. In particular, they illustrate the power and authority of the law, and the seriousness with which it must be taken. Additionally, they highlight the idea that no one is exempt from the law, and that all must abide by it or face the consequences. Finally, they emphasize the need for obedience to the law, and the importance of repentance for those who have broken it.
| Passage | How It’s Related (AI-Generated) |
|---|---|
| Exodus 19:12-13: And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” | Both passages refer to the people of Israel's encounter with Mount Sinai. In Hebrews 12:20, the author is referring to the command given to the people of Israel in Exodus 19:12-13, which warned them not to touch the mountain or they would be stoned. In Exodus 19:12-13, the Lord is giving instructions to the people of Israel regarding the boundaries they must observe around the mountain, and the consequences they will face if they cross those boundaries. |
| Exodus 19:16: On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. | Both passages refer to the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Hebrews 12:20 is referencing the severity of the command given to the Israelites not to touch the mountain, as they would be stoned if they did. Exodus 19:16 is describing the scene of God's presence on the mountain, with thunders and lightnings and a loud trumpet blast, which frightened the people in the camp. |
| Deuteronomy 33:2: He said, “The Lord came from Sinai and dawned from Seir upon us; he shone forth from Mount Paran; he came from the ten thousands of holy ones, with flaming fire at his right hand. | Both passages refer to God's presence on Mount Sinai. Hebrews 12:20 highlights the fear and reverence the Israelites had for God's presence on the mountain, to the point that even touching it was punishable by death. Deuteronomy 33:2 emphasizes the glory and power of God's presence on the mountain, as He came from the ten thousands of holy ones with flaming fire at His right hand. |
| Romans 3:19-20: Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. | Both passages refer to the law and its power to bring about accountability. Hebrews 12:20 speaks of the law's power to bring about punishment, as it states that even an animal will be stoned if it touches the mountain. Romans 3:19–20 speaks of the law's power to bring about knowledge of sin, as it states that no human being can be justified by the law but rather it brings knowledge of sin. |
| Galatians 2:19: For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. | Both passages speak to the idea of being released from the law. Hebrews 12:20 speaks of the law of Moses, which was given to the Israelites and was so strict that even touching the mountain was punishable by stoning. Galatians 2:19 speaks of being released from the law of Moses so that one can live to God. Paul explains that through the law of Moses, he died to the law so that he could live to God. |
| Galatians 3:10: For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” | Both passages discuss the importance of following the laws of the Lord. Hebrews 12:20 speaks of the consequences of straying from the Lord's commands, referencing a specific command in which even a beast that touches the mountain will be stoned. Galatians 3:10 emphasizes the importance of following the law of the Lord, stating that those who do not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law are under a curse. Together, these passages emphasize the importance of following the laws of the Lord and the consequences of straying from them. |
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your Word and the insight it gives us. We thank You for the reminder that You are a holy God and that You require holiness of us as Your people. Help us to remember that You set limits for us, that we might stay away from the things that are harmful to us, and that we must always strive to be obedient to Your commands.
We thank You for the grace You have given us through the death of Jesus, which has freed us from the curse of the law. Help us to rely on Your grace and not on our own works, so that we can live to You and not to ourselves.
In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
This reading plan reads through a single verse each day, six days a week, paired with the most-popular cross references for the verse. AI-generated (and human-reviewed) text provides an opening thought and concluding prayer along with an explanation for how each cross reference relates to the verse. In 2023, this reading plan works through Hebrews one verse at a time. Every seventh day is a catchup day. Want more info? Try this blog post.
Unless otherwise indicated, all content is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Contact me: openbibleinfo (at) gmail.com.