And no man shall come up with thee, neither let any man be seen throughout all the mount; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mount.
No man ... neither ... flocks nor herds. Although no details are given, there is great probability that the arrangements made previous to the first promulgation were renewed, fences being placed around the base of the mount, and guards appointed to prevent unwarrantable intrusion, or even the too close encroachments of presumptuous curiosity. None of those who had accompanied him a considerable way up the mount were allowed to go on this occasion-not even his favourite attendant, Joshua, who had been privileged to make the highest ascent of all. He was left behind, perhaps as Moses' substitute in the government of the people-his tried fidelity and the energy of his military genius recommending him as fitter to overawe and restrain the turbulent spirits in the camp than the timid and compliant Aaron.
The mount was not now dreaded from the terrible phenomena that rendered it formerly inaccessible; but it was still enveloped in the dark cloud which symbolized the divine presence. It being still therefore 'holy ground,' all the people were strictly prohibited from approaching the mount-even irrational animals, the flocks and herds, were not allowed to stray near its base.
All these stringent enactments were made in order that the law might be a second time renewed with the solemnity and sanctity that marked its first delivery. The whole transaction was ordered so as to impress the people with an awful sense of the holiness of God: and that it was a matter of no trifling moment to have subjected him, so to speak, to the necessity of redelivering the law of the Ten commandments.