Exodus 24 presents a remarkable moment in Israel’s history—a turning point where the newly freed yet wandering people solidify their relationship with the LORD through a sacred covenant. Moses has already delivered the foundational instructions and laws to the Israelites. Now God calls the leaders and the people to affirm and commit themselves to this divinely orchestrated covenant.
The ceremony itself holds deep symbolic significance. Altars are built, sacrifices offered, and blood, the symbol of life itself in Hebrew thought (Leviticus 17:11, New International Version), is sprinkled upon both altars and people, marking the solemnity and sanctity of the divine-human relationship. Western readers sometimes overlook how graphically powerful these rituals would have appeared in their original ancient setting. Blood represented not only life but also cleansing, commitment, and binding agreement—it signified communion with God, sealing the participants into lasting obedience and relationship.
Consider Hebrews 9:18–22 (New International Version), which comments on this event by explaining that “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Here we catch a glimpse of Christ, our great High Priest and Mediator, whose sacrifice eternally seals our new and lasting covenant with God (Hebrews 9:15).
Historical interpretations by church fathers, such as Augustine and Ambrose, emphasize that such covenants underscore divine initiative balanced with human responsibility—the LORD initiates, and we respond with committed obedience and devotion.
One extraordinary element in Exodus 24 often underappreciated is when Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders ascend Mount Sinai and “see the God of Israel” (Exodus 24:10, New International Version). This visionary experience is intriguing because elsewhere Scripture clearly teaches that no one can look directly upon God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20).
Here we must note the Hebrew phrase carefully structured to convey partial revelation rather than full, unveiled glory. They behold God’s feet and the dazzlingly clear pavement beneath them—like “sapphire stone, as clear as the sky itself” (Exodus 24:10, New International Version)—a symbolic way of communicating God’s immense holiness and the limitless expanse separating His majesty from human finitude.
The elders eat and drink in God’s presence (24:11), suggesting powerful themes of fellowship, communion, and peace. Sharing a meal was (and remains) a deeply significant cultural gesture across ancient Near Eastern traditions; it signified peace, acceptance, and intimate relationship. Here it’s not merely social or cultural—it is theological: they are literally dining before the LORD, symbolizing a profound communion between God and His representatives. Later, we again see communion meals as a powerful image and reality in Christianity, culminating in the Lord’s Supper, pointing towards the ultimate banquet feast of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9, New International Version).
Moses alone ascends further into God’s presence to receive divine instruction written by God’s hand (Exodus 24:12). The cloud covering the mountain (Exodus 24:15–16) symbolizes divine transcendence and mysterious majesty. For six days, Moses waits in reverence and awe, preparing himself spiritually for the holy encounter. On the seventh, God reveals His glory, expressed in the Hebrew word “Kabod” (כָּבוֹד)—weight, splendor, and overwhelming brilliance. God’s presence reveals His majesty yet simultaneously veils His incomprehensible essence from human frailty.
The image of the devouring fire at Sinai (24:17) captures vividly the terror and beauty of the divine holiness. It parallels the burning bush (Exodus 3) and foreshadows other dramatic encounters with God’s glory (e.g., Elijah’s confrontation at Carmel, 1 Kings 18:38). This powerful divine presence becomes part of Israel’s spiritual memory, continually reminding them of both His nearness and transcendent holiness.
Exodus 24 challenges us not merely to intellectual understanding but to contemplative wonder and committed obedience. Like the elders, we too are invited into a relationship sealed not by animal sacrifice, but through the precious blood of Christ, the mediator of a better covenant enacted upon better promises (Hebrews 8:6, English Standard Version). As Augustine aptly explained, God lowers Himself to human level, initiating covenantal fellowship, and yet remains infinitely holy, calling us into reverential awe and committed discipleship.
What altars in your life today reflect your absolute commitment to God? How are we embracing Christ’s fulfillment of this ancient covenant, living in joyful obedience and intimate communion? How might we cultivate hearts that consistently marvel at the God who has drawn us to Himself?
Let us meditate upon the powerful and humbling reality that God desires communion with His people—not distant, aloof, or cold—but actively seeking fellowship, provided and sealed by Him alone.
“Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” (Ancient Liturgy of St. James)
(“King of kings, yet born of Mary,
as of old on earth he stood,
Lord of Lords in human vesture,
in the body and the blood…”)
Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your holiness, grace, and glory.
Just as Israel entered the covenant relationship through sacrificial
blood and reverent awe, help us to treasure the covenant offered to us
through the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Teach us reverence,
humility, and deep gratitude. Enable us to experience a new depth in our
communion with You, ever growing in joyful obedience, trust, and
worship.
Amen.