And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.
And Moses alone shall come near the Lord: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.
And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord.
And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.
And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.
And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.
Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.
And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.
And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.
And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.
Exodus 24 marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and Israel, solidifying the covenant established at Mount Sinai. This chapter beautifully weaves together themes of divine invitation, obedient response, sacrificial consecration, and the awe-inspiring presence of God. It's a passage rich with lessons for us today, offering insights into true worship and the privilege of encountering the living God.
The Divine Summons to Worship (Exodus 24:1-2)
The chapter opens with a divine invitation. God calls Moses, Aaron, his sons Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel to ascend Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:1-2). This invitation is crucial. It underscores that worship is not something we initiate but a response to God's call. He invites us into His presence. It is a humbling reminder that our access to God is entirely dependent on His gracious will.
Just as God invited specific leaders of Israel to approach Him, He extends a similar invitation to us today. Through Jesus Christ, we have access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22). This invitation is not just for a select few but for all who believe.
Hearing and Doing: The Call to Obedience (Exodus 24:3)
Following the invitation, Moses relays God's commands and laws to the people (Exodus 24:3). This highlights the importance of revelation. We can only truly know God because He chooses to reveal Himself to us. He speaks, and we listen. He unveils His character and will, and we are called to respond.
The people's response is immediate: "All the words which the Lord has said we will do." This is a powerful declaration of commitment. However, it also serves as a crucial reminder. Hearing God's Word is not enough. We are called to be doers of the Word, not just hearers (James 1:22). Obedience is the true test of our love and devotion to God. It transforms mere knowledge into a living, breathing faith.
Covenant Ratification Through Sacrifice (Exodus 24:4-8)
To formalize the covenant, Moses builds an altar with twelve pillars, representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 24:4). Young men of Israel offer burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord (Exodus 24:5). Moses then takes the blood of the offerings, sprinkling it on the altar and on the people (Exodus 24:6-8).
This act of sprinkling blood is deeply symbolic. It signifies consecration and purification. The blood represents life given as a sacrifice, sealing the covenant between God and His people. It's a powerful picture of atonement, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of sacrifice remains relevant. Today, God desires a "sacrifice of praise" from our lips (Hebrews 13:15) and the presentation of our "bodies as a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). This means offering our whole selves – our time, talents, and resources – to God in acts of worship and service. It's about living a life that is pleasing and acceptable to Him.
The ultimate sacrifice has already been made through Jesus Christ. He "entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12). Through His sacrifice, we have complete forgiveness of sins and a new heart to obey Him.
A Glimpse of Glory: Seeing God (Exodus 24:9-11)
In a remarkable scene, Moses, Aaron, his sons, and the seventy elders ascend the mountain and "saw the God of Israel" (Exodus 24:9-11). The text describes a pavement of sapphire stone under His feet, clear as the sky itself. It's a glimpse of God's glory, a moment of profound encounter.
The fact that God "did not stretch out His hand against the leaders of the Israelites" and that they "ate and drank" in His presence is extraordinary. It signifies fellowship and acceptance. It demonstrates God's willingness to draw near to those who seek Him.
Many desire to experience God in a tangible way. The example of Israel reminds us that encountering God is often linked to worship, obedience, and consecration. Trusting in the atoning blood of Jesus, worshipping Him in spirit and truth, and responding to His Word with obedience pave the way for a deeper experience of His presence.
Moses Ascends for the Tablets of Stone (Exodus 24:12-18)
The chapter concludes with God summoning Moses further up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone inscribed with the law (Exodus 24:12). Moses leaves Aaron and Hur in charge and ascends with Joshua (Exodus 24:13-14). The glory of the Lord appears as a cloud covering the mountain, and after six days, it appears as a consuming fire (Exodus 24:15-17). Moses remains on the mountain for forty days and forty nights (Exodus 24:18).
This section emphasizes the importance of God's written Word. The law given to Moses on Mount Sinai served as a guide for Israel, revealing God's will and establishing a framework for righteous living. Today, we have the complete revelation of God in the Bible, which includes the Old Testament law fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The imagery of God's glory as a consuming fire is both awe-inspiring and sobering. It reminds us of God's holiness and power. Approaching Him requires reverence and humility. Moses' extended time in God's presence underscores the importance of seeking Him diligently and spending time in prayer and meditation on His Word.
Exodus 24 provides a powerful and multifaceted picture of covenant, worship, and encounter with God. It calls us to respond to God's invitation with obedience, to consecrate ourselves through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and to seek His presence with reverence and humility. As we do, we can experience the joy of fellowship with Him and the transforming power of His Word in our lives.
And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.
And Moses alone shall come near the Lord: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.
And Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the Lord hath said will we do.
And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord.
And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.
And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.
And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the Lord hath made with you concerning all these words.
Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:
And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness.
And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.
And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.
And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.
And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.
And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.
Exodus 24 marks a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and Israel, solidifying the covenant established at Mount Sinai. This chapter beautifully weaves together themes of divine invitation, obedient response, sacrificial consecration, and the awe-inspiring presence of God. It's a passage rich with lessons for us today, offering insights into true worship and the privilege of encountering the living God.
The Divine Summons to Worship (Exodus 24:1-2)
The chapter opens with a divine invitation. God calls Moses, Aaron, his sons Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel to ascend Mount Sinai (Exodus 24:1-2). This invitation is crucial. It underscores that worship is not something we initiate but a response to God's call. He invites us into His presence. It is a humbling reminder that our access to God is entirely dependent on His gracious will.
Just as God invited specific leaders of Israel to approach Him, He extends a similar invitation to us today. Through Jesus Christ, we have access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22). This invitation is not just for a select few but for all who believe.
Hearing and Doing: The Call to Obedience (Exodus 24:3)
Following the invitation, Moses relays God's commands and laws to the people (Exodus 24:3). This highlights the importance of revelation. We can only truly know God because He chooses to reveal Himself to us. He speaks, and we listen. He unveils His character and will, and we are called to respond.
The people's response is immediate: "All the words which the Lord has said we will do." This is a powerful declaration of commitment. However, it also serves as a crucial reminder. Hearing God's Word is not enough. We are called to be doers of the Word, not just hearers (James 1:22). Obedience is the true test of our love and devotion to God. It transforms mere knowledge into a living, breathing faith.
Covenant Ratification Through Sacrifice (Exodus 24:4-8)
To formalize the covenant, Moses builds an altar with twelve pillars, representing the twelve tribes of Israel (Exodus 24:4). Young men of Israel offer burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord (Exodus 24:5). Moses then takes the blood of the offerings, sprinkling it on the altar and on the people (Exodus 24:6-8).
This act of sprinkling blood is deeply symbolic. It signifies consecration and purification. The blood represents life given as a sacrifice, sealing the covenant between God and His people. It's a powerful picture of atonement, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
While we no longer offer animal sacrifices, the principle of sacrifice remains relevant. Today, God desires a "sacrifice of praise" from our lips (Hebrews 13:15) and the presentation of our "bodies as a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1). This means offering our whole selves – our time, talents, and resources – to God in acts of worship and service. It's about living a life that is pleasing and acceptable to Him.
The ultimate sacrifice has already been made through Jesus Christ. He "entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption" (Hebrews 9:12). Through His sacrifice, we have complete forgiveness of sins and a new heart to obey Him.
A Glimpse of Glory: Seeing God (Exodus 24:9-11)
In a remarkable scene, Moses, Aaron, his sons, and the seventy elders ascend the mountain and "saw the God of Israel" (Exodus 24:9-11). The text describes a pavement of sapphire stone under His feet, clear as the sky itself. It's a glimpse of God's glory, a moment of profound encounter.
The fact that God "did not stretch out His hand against the leaders of the Israelites" and that they "ate and drank" in His presence is extraordinary. It signifies fellowship and acceptance. It demonstrates God's willingness to draw near to those who seek Him.
Many desire to experience God in a tangible way. The example of Israel reminds us that encountering God is often linked to worship, obedience, and consecration. Trusting in the atoning blood of Jesus, worshipping Him in spirit and truth, and responding to His Word with obedience pave the way for a deeper experience of His presence.
Moses Ascends for the Tablets of Stone (Exodus 24:12-18)
The chapter concludes with God summoning Moses further up the mountain to receive the tablets of stone inscribed with the law (Exodus 24:12). Moses leaves Aaron and Hur in charge and ascends with Joshua (Exodus 24:13-14). The glory of the Lord appears as a cloud covering the mountain, and after six days, it appears as a consuming fire (Exodus 24:15-17). Moses remains on the mountain for forty days and forty nights (Exodus 24:18).
This section emphasizes the importance of God's written Word. The law given to Moses on Mount Sinai served as a guide for Israel, revealing God's will and establishing a framework for righteous living. Today, we have the complete revelation of God in the Bible, which includes the Old Testament law fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The imagery of God's glory as a consuming fire is both awe-inspiring and sobering. It reminds us of God's holiness and power. Approaching Him requires reverence and humility. Moses' extended time in God's presence underscores the importance of seeking Him diligently and spending time in prayer and meditation on His Word.
Exodus 24 provides a powerful and multifaceted picture of covenant, worship, and encounter with God. It calls us to respond to God's invitation with obedience, to consecrate ourselves through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and to seek His presence with reverence and humility. As we do, we can experience the joy of fellowship with Him and the transforming power of His Word in our lives.