Verse 18
18. For—The fact that we are not under the law, but under a higher, and that the last dispensation, the Gospel, with its glorious privileges, is the reason why especially the Hebrew Christians should "look diligently," c. (Hebrews 12:15 Hebrews 12:16).
are not come—Greek, "have not come near to." Alluding to Hebrews 12:16- :, "Ye came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire . . . with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness." "In your coming near unto God, it has not been to," c.
the mount—The oldest manuscripts and Vulgate omit "the mount." But still, "the mount" must be supplied from Hebrews 12:16- :.
that might be touched—palpable and material. Not that any save Moses was allowed to touch it (Exodus 19:12 Exodus 19:13). The Hebrews drew near to the material Mount Sinai with material bodies; we, to the spiritual mount in the spirit. The "darkness" was that formed by the clouds hanging round the mount; the "tempest" accompanied the thunder.
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