Exodus 20:18–26

18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpete and saw the mountain in smoke,f they trembled with fear.g They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speakh to us or we will die.”i

20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid.j God has come to testk you, so that the fearl of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”m

21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darknessn where God was.

Idols and Altars

22 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven:o 23 Do not make any gods to be alongside me;p do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.q

24 “ ‘Make an altarr of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offeringss and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my namet to be honored, I will come to you and blessu you. 25 If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a toolv on it. 26 And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private partsw may be exposed.’