What does Exodus 24:13 mean?
ESV: So Moses rose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God.
NIV: Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God.
NASB: So Moses got up along with Joshua his servant, and Moses went up to the mountain of God.
CSB: So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua and went up the mountain of God.
NLT: So Moses and his assistant Joshua set out, and Moses climbed up the mountain of God.
KJV: And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.
NKJV: So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God.
Verse Commentary:
Verse Context:
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).
Book Summary:
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 6:13:35 AM
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Text from ESV, NIV, NASB, CSB, NLT, KJV, NKJV © Copyright respective owners, used by permission.
