12. Warn the people that they are forbidden to touch any part of the mountain. Anyone who does will be put to death,
13. either with stones or arrows, and no one must touch the body of a person killed in this way. Even an animal that touches this mountain must be put to death. You may go up the mountain only after a signal is given on the trumpet.
14. After Moses went down the mountain, he gave orders for the people to wash their clothes and make themselves acceptable to worship God.
15. He told them to be ready in three days and not to have sex in the meantime.
16. On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning. A thick cloud covered the mountain, a loud trumpet blast was heard, and everyone in camp trembled with fear.
17. Moses led them out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.
18. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord had come down in a flaming fire. Smoke poured out of the mountain just like a furnace, and the whole mountain shook.
19. The trumpet blew louder and louder. Moses spoke, and God answered him with thunder.
20. The Lord came down to the top of Mount Sinai and told Moses to meet him there.