As he has throughout this epistle, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the profound difference that exists between the old covenant and the covenant of grace, the new "better way" made possible through Jesus Christ. The writer doesn't avoid the greatest glories of the old covenant in order to make his comparison. He goes right to the foot of Moses' smoking mountain itself. While Jews counted Sinai's Covenant of Law among the greatest of feats in their salvation history, this author focuses on the "fear and trembling" that accompanied the event.

The description of Mt.Sinai during the time God's presence dwelt there is terrifying. As a holy place it cannot be touched by ordinary people. Only Moses had leave to approach and ascend the mountain to receive the divine instructions. Symbols of God'…