Êxodo 24
Tyndale Open Study Notes · Tyndale Open Study Notes
Êxodo 24:1-2
24:1-18 Israel agreed to the terms of the covenant (24:3), which was then ratified in several ceremonial activities. This included the formal writing and reading of the covenant (24:4, 7), the splattering of blood (24:6), a covenant meal (24:11), and the appearing of the glory of the Lord on the mountain (24:15-18). 24:1-2 Some commentators suggest that Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the elders made two trips up the mountain, here and in 24:9-11. However, this command was probably given in advance and obeyed at the proper time in 24:9.
Êxodo 24:3
24:3 went down: At this critical moment, would the people accept this relationship with God in which they would swear absolute loyalty to him and agree to live in ways that are in keeping with his character? Fortunately, they answered unanimously, with one voice, that they would abide by the covenant.
Êxodo 24:4-5
24:4 Pillars were erected as historical markers, witnessing in history that something momentous had occurred at a certain time at this place. In Hittite treaties, pagan gods were called upon to witness the agreement. In this case, the Hebrews were forbidden to recognize other gods, so pillars served the purpose.
Êxodo 24:6
24:6 When Moses splattered half of the blood of the sacrificial animals against the altar, he symbolized God’s formal oath to keep the covenant (see Gen 15:9-18; Heb 6:13).
Êxodo 24:7
24:7 Treaties were required to be written down and publicly read . . . aloud. Very likely Moses began at this time to write down, under God’s inspiration, all the things that he believed were authoritative documents for his people.
Êxodo 24:8-9
24:8 Look, this blood confirms the covenant (literally behold the blood of the covenant): Jesus repeated this sentence almost verbatim at the Last Supper (Matt 26:28), when he said, “This is my blood, which confirms the covenant” (literally “This is my blood of the covenant”). See also Heb 9:20.
Êxodo 24:10
24:10 There they saw . . . God: This statement must be interpreted in the light of 33:20. They saw some representation of God, the description of which is limited to the surface under his feet. When Isaiah saw God, the only description given was of the hem of his robe (Isa 6:1).
Êxodo 24:11
24:11 Around the world, then and now, the act of eating a meal together is often a sign of peace and good relations.
Êxodo 24:12-16
24:12 The instructions and commands to be inscribed on the tablets of stone were the ten basic principles of 20:3-17 (see 34:28) on which the specific stipulations of 21:1–23:33 depended.
Êxodo 24:17
24:17 consuming fire: See 3:2 and study note.