Exodus 20:18-21
When the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, and heard the sound like blaring trumpets, and saw the smoking mountain, they shook in fear. Keeping their distance, they said to Moses, “Speak to us and we will listen, but do not let God speak to us, or it will surely be our death.” But Moses said, “Don’t be afraid. God’s coming this way was simply a test for you, to give you a sense of awe and reverence, and to keep you from sinning.” The people kept their distance, while Moses went up into the darkness where God was.