Sunday, May 30, 2010

Exodus 24

The covenant ratified (vs. 1-8)—There is a brief interlude in the explanation of the law to once again demonstrate the glory of the Lord. Jehovah calls Moses, Aaron, the latter’s two sons Nadab and Abihu, and 70 elders of Israel (the perfect spiritual number) up to the mountain to “worship from afar” (v. 1). Only Moses may approach Him (v. 2). Before they do this, Moses informs the people of “all the words of the Lord and the judgments.” The people agree to obey Jehovah (v. 3). Moses writes down everything Jehovah has told him so far, then builds an altar and twelve pillars “according to the twelve tribes of Israel” (v. 4). “Young men” are sent to offer burnt offerings (v. 5); the Levitical priesthood has yet to be established. Moses then takes the blood of the offerings, puts half of it “in basins” and half of it he sprinkles on the altar and on the people (vs. 6-8). The people once again declare their loyalty to the Lord. The blood sprinkled on them ratifies that covenant, and Moses let them know it: “This is the blood of the covenant which the LORD has made with you according to all these words" (v. 8). The people have made a commitment to God, just as He had made a promise to them. He certainly will fulfill His end of the deal; they will not.

The glory of the Lord (vs. 9-18)—The Law of Moses was a very sacred thing, of course, and the reverence the Israelites were to have for it is emphasized by the Lord’s appearance on the mount again. After ratifying the covenant, Moses takes Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the 70 elders up the mountain (v. 9); we learn subsequently that Joshua went, too (v. 13). They all “saw the God of Israel”—only in a manifestation which He allowed, of course—but it was certainly an impressive sight: “And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity” (v. 10). And that was only what was under His feet! Verse 11 is not easy of explanation. The Lord did not lay his hand on any of those who came upon the mountain, and “they ate and drank” (v. 11). Perhaps He wanted them not to be afraid, though reverence and respect were certainly demanded. Again, only Moses was allowed to approach Jehovah, and He would give Moses more of the law which He had written (v. 12). Interestingly, Joshua was with Moses (v. 13), but we don’t know exactly how far he went, for the text says “Moses went up to the mountain of God” (v. 13). Before he left, Moses told the elders to wait for “us” until they returned. Aaron and Hur (Miriam’s husband) were to serve as judges in Moses’ staid until he returned (v. 14). As Moses ascended the mountain, “a cloud covered the mountain” (v. 15), representing “the glory of the Lord” (v. 16). This cloud covered the mountain six days (v. 16). On the seventh day, the Lord called to Moses “out of the midst of the cloud,” where the latter remained forty days and nights (v. 18). “The sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel” (v. 17). It was an awesome, intimidating sight, no doubt, and it was intended to be. Jehovah was hoping to inspire obedience in the people with this mighty show of His glory, but how soon people forget. Indeed, it will be during this forty day period that they will build the golden calf. More on that in a subsequent chapter.

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