Exodus 19:24

KJV

And the LORD said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD, lest he break forth upon them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto him, Away {H3212}, get thee down {H3381}, and thou shalt come up {H5927}, thou, and Aaron {H175} with thee: but let not the priests {H3548} and the people {H5971} break through {H2040} to come up {H5927} unto the LORD {H3068}, lest he break forth {H6555} upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

But ADONAI answered him, "Go, get down! Then come back up, you and Aharon with you. But don't let the cohanim and the people force their way through to come up to ADONAI, or he will break out against them."

Berean Standard Bible

And the LORD replied, “Go down and bring Aaron with you. But the priests and the people must not break through to come up to the LORD, or He will break out against them.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto him, Go, get thee down; and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto Jehovah, lest he break forth upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 19:24 is a pivotal reiteration of God's profound holiness and the absolute necessity of approaching Him on His own terms. As the LORD prepares to formalize His covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, this verse sternly reinforces the strict boundaries surrounding the sacred mountain. It emphasizes that only divinely appointed mediators, Moses and Aaron, are permitted to ascend, while the general populace and even those serving in priestly capacities are strictly forbidden from breaching the consecrated perimeter, lest God's holy presence break forth in judgment upon their presumption. This command vividly illustrates the immense chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity, underscoring the foundational need for divinely sanctioned mediation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 19:24 is deeply embedded within the dramatic and awe-inspiring narrative of God's descent upon Mount Sinai to establish His covenant with the newly liberated Israelites. The preceding verses (Exodus 19:10-23) meticulously detail the LORD's explicit instructions to Moses regarding the sanctification of the people and the strict demarcation of boundaries around the mountain. God commanded the people to wash their clothes and be prepared for the third day, when He would descend in a terrifying display of fire, smoke, thunder, and a trumpet blast (e.g., [Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16-19 "Exodus 19:16-19 - Theophany at Sinai")). A severe penalty of death by stoning or arrow was prescribed for anyone, human or animal, who even touched the mountain's boundary (e.g., [Exodus 19:12-13](/exodus/19-12-13 "Exodus 19:12-13 - Boundary Set Around Sinai")). Moses had initially ascended to receive these initial commands, and even after relaying them, God found it necessary to reiterate the warning in verse 24, emphasizing the dire consequences of unauthorized access. This repeated and emphatic warning underscores the extreme gravity of the divine presence and the absolute necessity of reverence, obedience, and proper mediation in approaching the Holy One.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The scene at Mount Sinai, as depicted in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - Israel at Mount Sinai"), is unparalleled in ancient Near Eastern religious experience. While other cultures had sacred mountains or divine encounters, none approached the direct, terrifying, and covenantal nature described here. The concept of divine holiness, intrinsically linked with purity, separation, and unapproachability, was understood in varying degrees across the ancient world. However, Israel's God, Yahweh, was uniquely transcendent and utterly unapproachable without specific divine sanction. The mention of "priests" in this verse is particularly significant; while the formal Aaronic priesthood had not yet been fully instituted (that would occur later in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - The Priestly Garments") and [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")), there were likely existing individuals who served in proto-priestly roles, perhaps the firstborn or tribal leaders. Even these individuals, who might have been considered more "holy" or set apart than the general populace, were explicitly forbidden from approaching, underscoring that access to God was not based on human status, lineage, or existing religious custom, but solely on His divine decree and appointment. The entire event at Sinai was meticulously designed to instill a profound sense of awe, fear, and reverence for the LORD, fundamentally shaping Israel's identity as a people uniquely chosen and uniquely bound to a holy God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among them is the **absolute holiness and transcendence of God**. The strict boundaries and severe warnings emphasize that Yahweh is utterly "other" and cannot be approached casually or presumptuously. This directly informs the theme of **divine mediation**, highlighting the necessity of divinely appointed individuals (Moses and Aaron) to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. It also underscores the theme of **covenantal obedience and its consequences**, as disobedience to God's commands regarding His presence carries immediate and severe judgment. Furthermore, the scene establishes a foundational understanding of **worship and reverence**, demonstrating that true worship requires humility, fear of the LORD, and adherence to His prescribed ways of approach. This event at Sinai sets the stage for the elaborate system of the Tabernacle, priesthood, and sacrifices, all of which are divinely ordained means for a sinful people to approach a holy God without perishing, thereby reinforcing the themes of **atonement and access to God**.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **break through (Hebrew, הָרַס _hâraç_):** This verb, translated "break through" in the first instance, signifies a violent, unauthorized breaching of a boundary or barrier. It implies a forceful, presumptuous, and disrespectful act of intrusion. It conveys the idea of tearing down, destroying, or overthrowing, indicating that the people's forbidden ascent would be an act of destructive violation against God's sacred space and command.
* **come up (Hebrew, עָלָה _ʻâlâh_):** This verb, frequently used in the context of ascending mountains or going up to Jerusalem, signifies a movement towards a higher, often sacred, place. In this verse, it explicitly defines the forbidden action – "to come up unto the LORD." The repeated use of "come up" (Moses is told to "come up," then the people are forbidden to "come up") emphasizes the specific nature of the transgression: an unauthorized ascent into the divine presence. It highlights that proximity to God is not a right but a divinely granted privilege, strictly controlled and limited by His sovereign will.
* **break forth (Hebrew, פָּרַץ _pârats_):** This verb, used to describe God's response ("lest he break forth upon them"), conveys the idea of an uncontrolled, sudden, and destructive eruption or bursting forth. It implies a forceful, overwhelming, and devastating outpouring of divine judgment. The use of this powerful verb underscores the inherent danger of encountering absolute holiness without proper mediation and preparation, depicting God's holiness as an active, potent force that cannot be trifled with.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee":** This opening clause reveals God's immediate and somewhat urgent command to Moses. Moses, who had just ascended to receive instructions, is told to "get thee down" from the mountain. This descent is not a dismissal but a crucial preparatory step for a subsequent, divinely sanctioned ascent, which will now explicitly include Aaron. This establishes a clear hierarchy of access: Moses is the primary mediator, and Aaron is now designated as his companion in this sacred task. This divinely appointed mediation is crucial for approaching God's holy presence, setting the stage for the later institution of the Aaronic priesthood.
* **"but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD":** This is the core prohibition, delivered with emphatic force. The command is clear and absolute: a strict boundary must be maintained around the sacred mountain. The inclusion of "the priests" alongside "the people" is highly significant. Even those who held a degree of sacred status or were designated for future priestly service were not exempt from the general prohibition. This underscores that no human status, inherent "holiness," or existing religious custom could grant unauthorized access to God's presence at Sinai; only specific divine appointment could. The phrase "break through" (H2040, _hâraç_) emphasizes the violent, presumptuous, and destructive nature of any attempt to violate this sacred boundary.
* **"lest he break forth upon them":** This concluding phrase states the dire and immediate consequence of disobedience. The choice of the verb "break forth" (H6555, _pârats_) is intentional and chilling. It signifies that God's response to a disrespectful breach of His holiness will be a sudden, overwhelming, and destructive outpouring of His judgment. This is not merely a warning of punishment, but a vivid depiction of the inherent danger of encountering absolute holiness without proper mediation and preparation. It reinforces the infinite gap between the holy God and sinful humanity, and the absolute necessity of reverent obedience to His commands regarding access.

#### Literary Devices
The language of Exodus 19:24 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful and urgent message. **Repetition** is evident in the repeated use of the concept of "coming up" (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh_), first for Moses' permitted ascent and then for the people's forbidden one, emphasizing the strict control over access. A powerful **contrast** is established between the divinely sanctioned access of Moses and Aaron and the strictly forbidden access of the general populace and even the priests, highlighting the principle of divinely appointed mediation. The imagery of God "breaking forth" upon the people serves as a vivid **metaphor** for divine judgment, portraying God's holiness as an active, potent, and dangerous force that cannot be trifled with. Furthermore, the entire scene at Sinai, culminating in this warning, functions as profound **symbolism** for God's absolute holiness, His unapproachable nature apart from mediation, and the sacred, dangerous reality of His presence. The direct **cause-and-effect** relationship between human transgression and divine judgment is starkly presented, reinforcing the gravity of the command.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 19:24 profoundly illustrates the unapproachable holiness of God and the absolute necessity of divine mediation. It reveals a God who, while desiring to covenant with His people, remains utterly transcendent, set apart from sinful humanity by His very nature. The strict boundaries, terrifying manifestations, and severe warnings underscore that access to God is not a right to be presumed but a privilege granted only on His terms and through His appointed channels. This event at Sinai established a foundational theological principle for Israel: direct, unmediated access to a holy God by sinful people is impossible and perilous. It laid the groundwork for the elaborate system of the Tabernacle, the Levitical priesthood, and the sacrificial system, all meticulously designed as divinely ordained means for a sinful people to approach a holy God without perishing, emphasizing the need for purity, atonement, and specific divine authorization.

* [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - God's Holiness Proclaimed")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Bold Access to the Throne of Grace")
* [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Our New and Living Way to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 19:24, though rooted in a specific historical event, carries timeless principles for our spiritual lives. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring holiness, majesty, and transcendence, urging us to approach Him with profound reverence, awe, and humility. In a contemporary culture that often domesticates God, treats Him casually, or presumes upon His grace, this verse calls us back to a proper understanding of His infinite otherness and His sacred nature. While we no longer approach a physical mountain wrapped in fire and smoke, the spiritual reality remains: God is holy, and our access to Him is a sacred privilege, not a casual right. This understanding should profoundly shape our worship, our prayers, our study of His Word, and our daily walk, fostering a deep respect for His commands and His inherent character. It also cultivates immense gratitude for the new covenant, where the ultimate Mediator has opened a way that was once terrifyingly closed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God's unapproachable holiness at Mount Sinai shape your understanding of His character and your approach to Him today?**
* **In what ways might we, in our modern context, be tempted to "break through" or approach God presumptuously, perhaps through casual attitudes towards sin or worship?**
* **How does the mediation of Moses and Aaron in the Old Covenant deepen your appreciation for the ultimate and perfect mediation of Jesus Christ?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a greater sense of reverence, awe, and humility in your personal worship and daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why were even the "priests" forbidden from approaching the mountain, given their sacred role?**

The mention of "priests" in Exodus 19:24 is notable because the formal Aaronic priesthood, with its specific rituals, garments, and designated duties, had not yet been fully instituted. This comprehensive establishment would occur later, particularly in [Exodus 28](/exodus/28 "Exodus 28 - The Priestly Garments") and [Leviticus 8](/leviticus/8 "Leviticus 8 - The Consecration of Aaron and His Sons"). Therefore, the "priests" referred to here likely represent individuals who held some form of sacred or leadership role within the Israelite community prior to the formal establishment of the Levitical system, perhaps the firstborn males, tribal elders, or heads of households who traditionally performed certain priestly functions. The critical point is that even these individuals, who might have been considered more "holy" or set apart than the general populace, were still explicitly forbidden from breaching the boundary. This powerfully underscores that access to God's presence at Sinai was not based on existing human status, lineage, or any inherent "holiness," but solely on God's explicit, sovereign decree and divine appointment, as seen with Moses and Aaron. It emphasizes that no human effort, position, or perceived spiritual status could bridge the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity without God's direct authorization.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 19:24, with its stark portrayal of divine holiness, the terrifying nature of God's presence, and the absolute necessity of mediation, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The strict boundaries at Sinai, the unapproachable mountain, and the limited access granted only to Moses and Aaron vividly illustrate humanity's desperate and inherent need for a perfect mediator. The entire Old Covenant system, with its priests, sacrifices, and the physical veil separating the Holy of Holies, constantly reminded Israel of the immense chasm between a holy God and sinful people. However, in Christ, this chasm is forever bridged. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the perfect and final sacrifice that fully atones for human sin. Through His crucifixion, the temple veil was [torn in two from top to bottom](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Tearing of the Temple Veil"), symbolizing the opening of direct, unhindered access to God's presence. Jesus is our [great high priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), who has passed through the heavens, not needing to offer sacrifices repeatedly, for [He offered Himself once for all](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"). Therefore, unlike the fearful and restricted approach to Mount Sinai, believers now have [bold access to the throne of grace](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Bold Access to the Throne of Grace") through Him, entering a "new and living way" (as described in [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Our New and Living Way to God")). Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the mediation principle, transforming a terrifying, exclusive encounter into an invitation for all who believe to draw near to God with confidence, not through human effort or ritual, but solely through His finished work on the cross.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 12:29

For our God [is] a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:18

¶ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

Hebrews 12:25

See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:

Exodus 24:9

¶ Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:

Exodus 19:21

And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish.

Exodus 19:22

And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.