There shall not an hand touch it, i.e. the mountain. But,
1. This seems to be a gross tautology, for it was twice forbidden in the words next foregoing.
2. So the word hand would seem to be ascribed both to man and beast. Others therefore render it touch him, i.e. they shall look upon such an impudent transgressor of my express command as an abominable person, whom they cannot touch without defilement, and therefore he shall be put to death in such a manner as may be performed without touching him. Whether it be beast; for though the beasts are not capable of a law, yet they might be threatened for man's caution, and punished for the fault of their owners in not keeping them at a distance from the mount. When the trumpet soundeth long, i.e. with one continued, equal, and gentle sound, as is usual in the end of the music song, which is opposed to a rough, and loud, and unequal sound. There was no real trumpet here, but an angel made a sound like that of a trumpet. They shall come up to the mount. Object. This was forbidden to them, Exodus 19:12. Answ.
1. They were forbidden to come up to the mount whilst God was delivering his laws, but allowed it afterwards when that action ceased, which was signified by the long sound of the trumpet.
2. They might not come into the mount or towards the top of it, but they might come to the bottom or lower parts of it, where the bounds were set, or at least towards or near it, as the Hebrew preposition beth is sometimes used. So the mount may be understood, more strictly, Exodus 19:12, for an eminent part or top of it, where the thick cloud appeared, and where Moses was, and here more largely for the whole mountain.