²⁰ But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see^(A) me and live.”

²¹ Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. ²² When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock^(B) and cover you with my hand^(C) until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”

¹⁸ When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet^(A) and saw the mountain in smoke,^(B) they trembled with fear.^(C) They stayed at a distance

¹⁹ and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak^(A) to us or we will die.”^(B)