Exodus 20:18-26

18All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the ram’s horn, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance.

19“You speak to us, and we will listen,” they said to Moses, “but don’t let God speak to us, or we will die.”

20Moses responded to the people, “Don’t be afraid, for God has come to test you, so that you will fear him and will not sin.”

21And the people remained standing at a distance as Moses approached the total darkness where God was.

22Then the Lord told Moses, “This is what you are to say to the Israelites: You have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven.

23Do not make gods of silver to rival me; do not make gods of gold for yourselves.

24“Make an earthen altar for me, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your flocks and herds. I will come to you and bless you in every place where I cause my name to be remembered.

25If you make a stone altar for me, do not build it out of cut stones. If you use your chisel on it, you will defile it.

26Do not go up to my altar on steps, so that your nakedness is not exposed on it.