Exodus 24 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 24 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Ancient literature is not always recorded in a strict timeline. The Old Testament is vague on precisely when the Lord issued each set of commands during the giving of the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:5–6; 2 Chronicles 5:10). Yet it seems the Lord issued a group of rules (Exodus 20—23) before calling Moses to affirm the covenant. This is what happens in this chapter. Afterwards, Moses returns to commune with the Lord and receive additional instructions.

God prohibited anyone from coming onto Mount Sinai without His direct invitation (Exodus 19:12–13). With the covenant foundations established, the Lord summons Israel's leadership for an important meeting. These men include Moses, Aaron, two of Aaron's sons, and seventy of Israel's elders. Aaron's sons will be the next generation of Israel's priesthood (Exodus 28:1), which explains their presence (Exodus 24:1–2).

Before climbing back onto Sinai, Moses and the Israelites affirm their covenant with the Lord. Moses coordinates a series of sacrifices and builds pillars representing the tribes of Israel. He makes a point of including the younger Israelite men in this process. Moses reads the "Book of the Covenant." This may be the written laws given so far, or it may include other rules which God gave but have not yet been recorded. Further details about the covenant make up much of the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. The people once again (Exodus 19:1–9) vow to honor the covenant (Exodus 24:3–8).

It's not clear if the group summoned by God was called onto Sinai, itself, or merely to come near it. The phrase "went up" seems to imply that they came partway onto the mountain, itself. There, the assembly "sees" God. This is probably a vision, since it cannot be a direct observation of the Lord (Exodus 33:20). Since this description only mentions what was under the Lord's feet, it may have been a very limited view which emphasized His supremacy (Exodus 24:9–11).

After this meal affirming the covenant, God calls Moses further up onto Sinai. The Lord is going to give Moses stone tablets which record the Law. Moses takes Joshua (Exodus 17:9) with him. Since Moses says that "we" will return, Joshua is apparently allowed to accompany Moses into the cloud on Sinai. To the people waiting at the base of the mountain, God's glory looks like a cloud of "fire"—possibly meaning lightning—and this is where Moses goes. He will be there for several weeks (Exodus 24:12–18).

During this time, God will provide Moses with further instructions. These detail various religious objects, and the items associated with the priesthood (Exodus 25—31). But during the long wait, the people become worried and seek out a new figurehead (Exodus 32). This is counted among the most shameful incidents in Israel's history.

Exodus 24:1–8 records an invitation from the Lord and a solemn ceremony. God summons Moses, Aaron, two of Aaron's sons, and seventy elders from Israel for a special meeting. Moses prepares sacrifices, reads the covenant to the people, and sprinkles sacrificial blood. The Israelites agree to follow God's commands.

Exodus 24:9–18 describes a unique meeting between select Israelites and the Lord. Moses, Aaron, two of Aaron's sons, and seventy elders are summoned to Mount Sinai. There they enjoy a meal and see a vision of the Lord. Then God calls Moses to a private encounter. Moses walks into a cloud on the mountain and stays there for forty days and nights.

Chapter Summary:

God calls Moses, seventy of Israel's elders, Aaron, and Aaron's two sons to approach the Lord at Mount Sinai. The people agree to follow the covenant. Moses organizes sacrifices and reads the covenant to the people. Those called onto the mountain see a vision of God. After this, Moses is summoned to meet with the Lord personally. He will be there for forty days and nights receiving more of the Lord's covenant laws.

Chapter Context:

God has begun delivering the laws of His covenant with Israel (Exodus 20—23). Here, Moses and the elders of Israel affirm this agreement. The Lord calls Moses to receive stone tablets recording the Law. The following chapters describe how to construct the "sanctuary" used for worship and sacrifice. This includes designs for the tabernacle, ark of the covenant, and other famous items (Exodus 25—28).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

Accessed 6/15/2025 4:02:49 PM