Set Bounds Around the Mountain Lest the People Touch It

"And you shall set bounds for the people round about, saying" (Exodus 19:12): this teaches that they fixed limits for them. Because it says, "neither let the flocks nor the herds graze before that mountain" (Exodus 34:3), I would know only its east; from where its north, south, and west? Scripture says "round about"—from every direction. "Take heed to yourselves not to go up into the mountain." This is a prohibition. One might think he may not go up but is permitted to touch; Scripture says, "or touch its edge." One might think he may go up by means of a ladder; Scripture says "go up into the mountain"—from any means whatsoever. "Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death." This is the penalty.