¹⁶ On the morning of the third day there was thunder^(A) and lightning, with a thick cloud^(B) over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast.^(C) Everyone in the camp trembled.^{(D) 17} Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.^{(E) 18} Mount Sinai was covered with smoke,^(F) because the Lord descended on it in fire.^(G) The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace,^(H) and the whole mountain^[a] trembled^(I) violently. ¹⁹ As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice^(J) of God answered^(K) him.^[b]

²⁰ The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai^(L) and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up ²¹ and the Lord said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see^(M) the Lord and many of them perish.^{(N) 22} Even the priests, who approach^(O) the Lord, must consecrate^(P) themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.”^(Q)

¹¹ You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain^(A) while it blazed with fire^(B) to the very heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness.^{(C) 12} Then the Lord spoke^(D) to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form;^(E) there was only a voice.^(F)