Exodus 24

Chapter Summary

Exodus chapter 24 begins with God instructing Moses to come up Mount Sinai with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, where they will worship God from a distance. Moses then writes down all the words of the Lord and builds an altar at the foot of the mountain, where young men offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings to God. The blood of the sacrifice is then sprinkled on the people, sealing the covenant between God and Israel. Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders then ascend the mountain, where they see the God of Israel and eat and drink in His presence. The chapter concludes with Moses ascending the mountain again, this time to receive the tablets of stone, while the glory of the Lord remains on the mountain, covered by a cloud. Key verses such as Exodus 24:3-8 highlight the significance of covenant ratification and the importance of worship in the life of God's people.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 24 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Exodus, which describes the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. This chapter follows the giving of the law in Exodus 20-23 and precedes the instructions for the tabernacle in Exodus 25-31. The chapter is also part of the larger biblical narrative, which describes the establishment of a covenantal relationship between God and His people, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Christ. As seen in Exodus 24:3-8, the covenant ratification ceremony points to the future work of Christ, who would establish a new covenant and provide eternal redemption for His people.

Heart Application

This chapter reminds us of the importance of covenant relationship and worship in our lives as Christians. We are called to affirm our commitment to God's laws and to worship Him with reverence and awe, recognizing the sacrifice of Christ as the ultimate expression of God's love and forgiveness. As we reflect on Exodus 24:8, we are reminded of the significance of the blood of the covenant, which seals our forgiveness and establishes our covenantal bond with God.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus chapter 24 is about the covenant between God and the Israelites. God gives Moses the laws and the people promise to obey. The chapter also talks about the importance of worship and sacrifice. As seen in Exodus 24:3-8, the Israelites affirm their commitment to the covenant, demonstrating the importance of covenantal faithfulness. The blood of the covenant, sprinkled on the people in Exodus 24:8, highlights the significance of atonement and forgiveness.

Voices from the Church

“The covenant which God made with the Israelites was not only a covenant of works, but also a covenant of grace, in which God promised to be their God and they promised to be His people.”

— John Calvin

“The blood of the covenant is the blood of Christ, which was shed for the remission of sins and the establishment of a new covenant between God and His people.”

— Charles Spurgeon

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to the Covenant Ratification Ceremony (Exodus 24:1-2) — God instructs Moses to come up Mount Sinai with Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, where they will worship God from a distance.
2. The Covenant Ratification Ceremony (Exodus 24:3-8) — Moses writes down all the words of the Lord and builds an altar at the foot of the mountain, where young men offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings to God.
3. The Ascension of Moses and the Elders (Exodus 24:9-11) — Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders ascend the mountain, where they see the God of Israel and eat and drink in His presence.
4. The Glory of the Lord (Exodus 24:12-18) — The glory of the Lord remains on the mountain, covered by a cloud, while Moses ascends the mountain again to receive the tablets of stone.
5. Conclusion (Exodus 24:12-18) — The chapter concludes with Moses on the mountain, receiving the tablets of stone, while the glory of the Lord remains on the mountain, symbolizing the divine authority and power of the covenant.

Core Doctrines

Covenant Theology

This chapter teaches the importance of covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the establishment of a covenantal bond and the significance of commitment and obedience to God's laws.

Worship and Sacrifice

The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of God's people, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a covenantal bond.

The Presence of God

The chapter describes the presence of God on Mount Sinai, symbolizing the divine authority and power of the covenant.

The Blood of the Covenant

The chapter highlights the significance of the blood of the covenant, which seals the forgiveness of sins and establishes a covenantal bond between God and His people.

Lessons from Exodus 24

1. The Importance of Covenant Relationship — The chapter teaches us the importance of covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the establishment of a covenantal bond and the significance of commitment and obedience to God's laws.
2. The Significance of Worship and Sacrifice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of God's people, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a covenantal bond.
3. The Presence of God — The chapter describes the presence of God on Mount Sinai, symbolizing the divine authority and power of the covenant.
4. The Blood of the Covenant — The chapter highlights the significance of the blood of the covenant, which seals the forgiveness of sins and establishes a covenantal bond between God and His people.
5. The Ascension of Moses — The chapter concludes with Moses' ascension of the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, symbolizing the divine authority and power of the covenant.

Themes from Exodus 24

1. Covenant Relationship — The chapter teaches us the importance of covenant relationship between God and His people, highlighting the establishment of a covenantal bond and the significance of commitment and obedience to God's laws.
2. Worship and Sacrifice — The chapter emphasizes the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of God's people, symbolizing the forgiveness of sins and the establishment of a covenantal bond.
3. The Presence of God — The chapter describes the presence of God on Mount Sinai, symbolizing the divine authority and power of the covenant.
4. The Blood of the Covenant — The chapter highlights the significance of the blood of the covenant, which seals the forgiveness of sins and establishes a covenantal bond between God and His people.
5. The Ascension of Moses — The chapter concludes with Moses' ascension of the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, symbolizing the divine authority and power of the covenant.

Questions for Meditation

1. What is the significance of the covenant between God and the Israelites in Exodus 24?
2. How does the blood of the covenant relate to the sacrifice of Christ?
3. What is the importance of worship and sacrifice in the life of God's people?
4. How does the presence of God on Mount Sinai symbolize the divine authority and power of the covenant?
5. What is the significance of Moses' ascension of the mountain to receive the tablets of stone?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Exodus 24

	Sermon	Description
	Worship Beyond Prayer and Praise by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of preparing a sermon on the theme of worship. He shares that he began preparing this sermon in 1951 while lying in a h
	(Blood Covenant) 6 - Intercession by Milton Green	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to the tapes in numerical order to fully understand the series. The sermon begins with a prayer of worship to God
	Worship (Part 1 of 3) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker begins by dividing the sermon into three parts, with the promise of a more engaging sermon in the following weeks. He then reads from Exodus 24, emphasi
	A Touch From God - Part 2 by David Wilkerson	This sermon emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call to come up and come out, using Moses as an example of someone who drew near to God and pursued a life of prayer. I
	Prophetic Reality Versus Fantasy by Art Katz	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the prevalence of fantasy and escapism in our culture, particularly in the entertainment industry. He highlights the example of a space-theme
	(Divine Attributes) 01 Visions of the Glory of God by Denny Kenaston	In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision of four living creatures that he saw coming out of a glowing storm cloud. These creatures had the appearance of a man, but with four
	Come Up Unto Me by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Moses spending 40 days and 40 nights on the mountaintop with God. The purpose of this extended period of time was not just
	The Golden Calf by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living with the awareness of God's presence at all times. He explains that being conscious of God's watchful eye can guide
	The Formation of an Apostle by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of going up to be with God and experiencing His presence. He uses the example of Moses spending six days in the cloud of smoke
	(Exodus) Exodus 24:1-8 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the state of sin and moral confusion in the world today. He references Isaiah's prophecy about a time when sin would be called good and bad w

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 24

In Exodus 24, we see the ratification of the covenant between God and Israel, where Moses, Aaron, and the elders of Israel ascend Mount Sinai to worship and affirm their commitment to God's laws. This chapter highlights the significance of covenant relationship and the importance of worship in the life of God's people. The blood of the covenant, sprinkled on the people in Exodus 24:8, foreshadows the blood of Christ, which seals the new covenant and provides forgiveness of sins. The chapter also describes the presence of God on Mount Sinai, symbolizing the divine authority and power of the covenant. As Matthew Henry notes, this chapter teaches us the importance of covenant relationship, worship, and sacrifice in the life of God's people, and points us to the ultimate sacrifice and mediator of the new covenant, Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?