246. Exodus 19: The Terrifying Mountain of God

Sam and Will discuss the Israelites' experience on Mount Sinai as God prepares to deliver the Ten Commandments and the Law. Why would God lead them to a desolate location and then provide a litany of terrifying sensory experiences? The Lord obviously wanted the people to respect His holiness, but why would a loving God want His people to fear Him? Is it possible that this was also driven by His grace?