Book of Hebrews - Chapter 12 - Verse 18

In this verse, it is stated that the recipients of the message have not come to a physical mountain that could be touched, which was engulfed in fire and shrouded in darkness and tempest. This imagery is a reference to the giving of the Law to the Israelites on Mount Sinai in the Old Testament. The message here is that the readers have not encountered a physical manifestation of God's presence like the Israelites did at Mount Sinai. The mention of fire, darkness, and tempest symbolizes the powerful and terrifying nature of God's presence when He came down to give the Law to Moses. The verse serves to contrast the awesome and fearful experience of encountering God at Mount Sinai with the new way believers can approach God through faith in Jesus Christ. Instead of coming to a physical mountain, believers now have the privilege of coming directly to God through Jesus, who is the mediator of a new covenant.

Hebrews 12:18 describes an awe-inspiring scene where the people of Israel are reminded of the divine majesty and holiness of God. The phrase 'the mount that might be touched' signifies the physical mountaintop where God's presence was experienced by the Israelites during the giving of the law. The burning fire, blackness, darkness, and tempest all paint a picture of the fear and trembling that the people felt in the presence of the almighty God. This verse serves as a stark contrast to the New Covenant in Jesus Christ, where believers are invited into a relationship with God based on grace, mercy, and love. The imagery in this verse emphasizes the holiness and power of God, prompting believers to approach Him with reverence and awe.