Hebrews 12:18-24 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Hebrews 12:18-29

Here the apostle goes on to engage the professing Hebrews to perseverance in their Christian course and conflict, and not to relapse again into Judaism. This he does by showing them how much the state of the gospel church differs from that of the Jewish church, and how much it resembles the state of the church in heaven, and on both accounts demands and deserves our diligence, patience, and perseverance in Christianity. I. He shows how much the gospel church differs from the Jewish church, and... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Hebrews 12:18-24

12:18-24 It is not to something that can be touched that you have come, to a flaming fire, to mist and gloom and stormblast, and to the blare of a trumpet, and to a voice which spoke such words that those who heard it begged that not another word should be further spoken unto them, for they could not bear the command: "If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned." So terrifying was the apparition that Moses said: "I am in utter fear and trembling." But you have come to Mount Sion... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:18

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched ,.... The design of the apostle in the following words is, in general, to engage the Hebrews to adhere closely to the Gospel, from the consideration of the superior excellency of it to the law; and in particular, to enforce his former exhortations to cheerfulness under afflictions; to an upright walk in the ways of God; to follow peace with all men, even with the Gentiles, and holiness both of heart and life; and to value the doctrine... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:19

And the sound of a trumpet ,.... Exodus 19:16 , which made it still more awful, as the sound of the trumpet will at the last day: and the voice of words ; of the ten words, or decalogue; which was as an articulate voice, formed by angels; and, therefore, the law is called the word spoken by angels, Hebrews 2:2 and is represented, as the voice of God himself, Exodus 20:1 who made use of the ministry of angels to deliver the law to Moses; "which" voice is called קול דברים , "the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:20

For they could not endure that which was commanded ,.... In the law; not that they disliked and despised the law, as unregenerate men do; but they could not endure it, or bear it, as a yoke, it being a yoke of bondage; nor as a covenant of works, it requiring perfect obedience, but giving no strength to perform; and as it showed them their sins, but did not direct them to a Saviour; as it was an accusing, cursing, and condemning law; and, as a fiery one, revealing wrath, and filling the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:21

And so terrible was the sight ,.... Of the smoke, fire, and lightnings; or of God himself, who descended on the mount; with which agrees the Arabic version, which renders the words, "and so terrible was he who vouchsafed himself to be seen"; not in the bush burning with fire; at which time Moses was afraid to look upon God, Exodus 3:6 but on Mount Sinai, when the law was given: that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake : perhaps he might say this, when he spake, and God answered... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:22

But ye are come unto Mount Sion ,.... The Alexandrian copy reads, as in Hebrews 12:18 "for ye are not come"; which may seem to favour that interpretation of this passage, which refers it to the heavenly state; to which saints, in this present life, are not, as yet, come: but, by "Mount Sion", and the other names here given, is meant the church of God, under the Gospel dispensation, to which the believing Hebrews were come; in distinction from the legal dispensation, signified by Mount... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:23

To the general assembly ,.... A "panegyris", the word here used, was a public and solemn assembly of the Greeks, either at their games, or feasts, or fairs, or on religious accounts; and signifies a large collection and convention of men; and sometimes the place where they met togethers F9 Vid. Philostrat. Vita Apollen. l. 8. c. 7. ; and is here used, by the apostle, for the church of God, consisting of all his elect, both Jews and Gentiles, and the meeting of them together: they met... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:24

And to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant ,.... Of the new covenant, and, of Christ's being the Mediator of it, See Gill on Hebrews 8:6 . See Gill on Hebrews 8:8 . Coming to Christ is by faith; and is different from a corporeal coming to him in the days of his flesh; and from an outward attendance on ordinances; it is a coming to him under a sense of want, and upon a sight of fulness; and is the produce of God's efficacious grace; and souls must come to Christ as naked sinners; and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 12:18-21

For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched - I believe the words ψηλαφωμενῳ ορει should be translated to a palpable or material mountain; for that it was not a mountain that on this occasion might be touched, the history, Exodus 19:12 , Exodus 19:13 , shows; and the apostle himself, in Hebrews 12:20 , confirms. It is called here a palpable or material mount, to distinguish it from that spiritual mount Sion, of which the apostle is speaking. Some contend that it should... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Hebrews 12:18-29

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Hebrews 12:18-24

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:18

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:19

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:20

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:21

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:22

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:23

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 12:24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 12:18-21

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