Matthew Poole and continuators on Exodus 19:16

16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings , and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud, so that all the people that was in the camp, trembled.

Sent partly as evidences and tokens both of Gods glorious presence, and of the anger of God and the dreadful punishments due to the transgressours of the law now to be delivered, and partly as means to humble and awaken and convince and terrify proud and secure sinners that they might more reverently attend to the words and commands of God▪ more willingly yield obedience to them, and be more afraid of the violation of them.

Which was both a▪fit mean for the production and reception of the thunders and lightnings, and a signification as well of the invisible and unconceivable nature of God, as of the obscurity of the legal dispensation in regard of its types and shadows, &c. 2 Cor. 3. 13, 18. and 4. 6.

A fit instrument both for the promulgation of Gods law, and for the signification of that war that is between God and sinners.

Moses himself not excepted, as appears from Heb. 12. 21.

Marginal references: Heb. 12. 18.