There is a wonderful contrast in the juxtaposition between the above two verses. In the first text, the context is the giving of the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai. He was told by God to prepare the people for a visitation or manifestation of Jehovah while Moses was to receive the Law (Ex. 19:9–13). This scene is also referred to in the Epistle to the Hebrews, where the system of the Law is contrasted with the heavenly system of grace and the new covenant (Heb. 12:18–24). “There were thunderings and lightnings,” with the whole of Sinai quaking and on fire (Ex. 19:16–20; 20:18–20). The people greatly trembled and feared at the sight and stood “afar off” while the mediator, Moses, drew near into “the thick darkness where God was” (20:21). The people were strictly warned not to gaze upon Jehovah. And indeed they needed to fear—the purpose of the Law was to expose sin. It could only condemn; it could not save, nor can it sanctify or cause spiritual growth in the believer, as some falsely teach.

What a blessed contrast we see in the work of our great Mediator, Jesus Christ. Not only has He accomplished redemption for us, which the Law could not do, but we can behold His glory and are transformed thereby. The glory of Sinai condemned and repelled us, but the glory of the Lord now attracts us. “Behold” is the New Testament equivalent of “gaze”: both mean to look intently. John Bunyan wrote, “Run, John, run, the law commands but gives us neither feet nor hands; far better news the gospel brings: it bids us fly and gives us wings.”