And all the people saw the thunderings, &c.— That is, perceived; were sensibly affected with the noise, and with the light; insomuch, that they shrunk back with terror, and removed to a distance from those bounds near the mountain which were appointed for them. See ch. Exodus 19:12; Exodus 19:24.
Related Commentaries of Exodus 20:18
Exodus 20:18
18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.