18 And all the people were watching and hearing the 20:18 Lit soundsthunder and the lightning flashes, and the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it all, they trembled and stood at a distance. 19 Then they said to Moses, "Speak 20:19 Lit withto us yourself and we will listen; but do not have God speak 20:19 Lit withto us, or we will die!" 20 However, Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may 20:20 Lit be beforeremain with you, so that you will not sin." 21 So the people stood at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.
22 Then the Lord said to Moses, "This is what you shall say to the sons of Israel: ‘You yourselves have seen that I have spoken 20:22 Lit withto you from heaven. 23 You shall not make other gods besides Me; gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves. 24 You shall make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. 25 And if you make an altar of stone for Me, you shall not build it of cut stones, for if you wield your chisel on it, you will profane it. 26 And you shall not go up by steps to My altar, so that your nakedness will not be exposed on it.’