Question 3: What does it mean that God is holy?

God makes a profound self-declaration at a critical moment in Israel's history. They have just broken two of his commandments (Exodus 20:3-4) and worshipped a golden calf (see Exodus 32). God reveals his holy character—he is set apart from all evil and sin, yet simultaneously abounding in love and compassion. His holiness isn't just about moral perfection; it encompasses his complete otherness from creation. God exists in his own category—uncreated, eternal, independent and infinite—while everything else is created, time-bound, dependent and finite. This passage shows that God's holiness doesn't make him distant or uninvolved. Instead, his holiness is perfectly balanced with his compassion, grace and faithfulness while maintaining his justice and righteousness.