For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest and the sound of a trumpet and a voice whose words made the hearers beg that no further messages be spoken to them. For they could not endure the order that was given, “If even a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned.” Indeed, so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, “I tremble with fear.” But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.
Comment: This section has two parts:
- The first section is full of noise, tumult, fear, potential death and terror. It is describing the scene when God revealed Himself to the Israelites when they had just been led out of Egypt. Not written here, but God had shown His great love and mercy to them by delivering them from slavery and promising them a land of their own. Here He shows His power, majesty and holiness.
- The second section is full of joy, wonder and rejoicing. A picture of what is happening not only on earth but in heaven because of the absolute victory Jesus has won. This victory allows us, forgiven, to come into the very presence of God Himself.
Prayer: In all the vicissitudes of life, help me to live in the joy of your goodness, O God.
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your clear explanation of this passage. God bless you.
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