At Mount Sinai, there was no trespassing
for anyone who tried to draw near, to respect the holiness of God! There was fire, smoke, and thunder when God appeared. The mountain shook, and all the people of Israel trembled. Even Moses, the confidant of God and mediator of the old covenant was afraid. This is how God taught his people from the beginning how holy and great he is. He put them to the test to serve him with great reverence and awe (see Exodus 20:18–21). At the same time, God wanted specifically to live with his people, as the Holy One in their midst! To enable this relationship, God gave a mediator in Moses, a person between God and the people, and Aaron as priest with sacrifices.
Now we, as believers, are standing before Mount Zion. Note the big difference: there is no longer a long and fearful distance, but a drawing near: thanks to Jesus, the better mediator and Priest (see later on in Hebrews 12:24)! The big difference between Sinai and Zion shows how great and superior Jesus Christ is. The how much more
of this service of Christ in Hebrews 9:11–14 is an important theme of this letter. Continue to hold on to him!
22 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,