22 When we were gathered on the mountain, the Lord spoke to us in a loud voice from the dark fiery cloud. The Lord gave us these commands, and only these. Then he wrote them on two flat stones and gave them to me.
23 When fire blazed from the mountain, and you heard the voice coming from the darkness, your tribal leaders came to me
24 and said:Today the Lord our God has shown us how powerful and glorious he is. He spoke to us from the fire, and we learnt that people can live, even though God speaks to them.
25 But we don't want to take a chance on being killed by that terrible fire, and if we keep on hearing the Lord's voice, we will die.
26 Has anyone else ever heard the only true God speaking from fire, as we have? And even if they have, would they live to tell about it?
27 Moses, go up close and listen to the Lord. Then come back and tell us, and we will do everything he says.
28 The Lord heard you and said:Moses, I heard what the people said to you, and I approve.