Exodus 20:15-21

New International Version

¹⁸ When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet^(E) 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 speak^(H) to us or we will die.”^(I)

²⁰ Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid.^(J) God has come to test^(K) you, so that the fear^(L) of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”^(M)

²¹ The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness^(N) where God was.