Exodus 19:7

KJV

And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the LORD commanded him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} came {H935} and called {H7121} for the elders {H2205} of the people {H5971}, and laid {H7760} before their faces {H6440} all these words {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe came, summoned the leaders of the people and presented them with all these words which ADONAI had ordered him to say.

Berean Standard Bible

So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him.

American Standard Version

And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Jehovah commanded him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 19:7 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, detailing Moses' faithful and immediate obedience in conveying God's covenant proposal to the Israelite elders upon his descent from Mount Sinai. After his divine encounter, Moses convened the representative leaders of the people, transparently presenting "all these words" that the LORD had commanded him. This crucial step established the foundation for Israel's corporate decision to enter into a covenant relationship with Yahweh, underscoring the clarity of divine communication and the people's collective responsibility to respond to His revealed will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 19:7 is strategically positioned at a critical juncture in the biblical narrative, immediately following Israel's arrival at the base of Mount Sinai, as described in [Exodus 19:1-2](/exodus/19-1-2 "Exodus 19:1-2 - Israel Arrives at Sinai"). Prior to this verse, God had summoned Moses to the mountain and delivered a profound message outlining His gracious intentions for His people. This divine address recalled their miraculous deliverance from Egyptian bondage and proposed a unique covenant relationship, famously stating, "You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself" ([Exodus 19:4](/exodus/19-4 "Exodus 19:4 - God's Deliverance and Care")). God offered them the unparalleled status of a "peculiar treasure," a "kingdom of priests," and a "holy nation" contingent upon their obedience to His voice and adherence to His covenant, as detailed in [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - God's Covenant Proposal"). Moses' subsequent descent and the gathering of the elders in verse 7 represent the essential human response to this divine initiative, bridging the gap between God's sovereign declaration and the people's reception and decision. It directly precedes the nation's collective affirmation in [Exodus 19:8](/exodus/19-8 "Exodus 19:8 - Israel's Affirmation") and the subsequent preparations for God's awe-inspiring descent upon the mountain.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the historical moment of Exodus 19, the Israelites, recently liberated from centuries of slavery in Egypt, were encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai, a location imbued with immense theological significance as the destined site of the covenant. The "elders of the people" (Hebrew: זְקֵנִים, *zəqēnîm*) were not merely older individuals but recognized and respected leaders within the intricate tribal and family structures of Israel. They functioned as vital representatives, authoritative judges, and official spokesmen for their respective clans and families. Their role was indispensable in mediating communication between the central leadership (Moses) and the broader populace, ensuring that crucial messages and national decisions were effectively disseminated and corporately received. This system of leadership was a common feature in ancient Near Eastern societies, where elders often wielded significant authority and bore responsibility for the welfare, governance, and judicial matters of their communities. Moses' act of convening them and presenting God's "words" was a formal, culturally appropriate, and legally significant method of initiating a national dialogue regarding the terms of a proposed covenant—a foundational legal and social agreement that would profoundly define Israel's identity and their unique relationship with Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 19:7 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Revelation**, demonstrating that God Himself initiates the covenant relationship with Israel, revealing His character and His will through direct communication with Moses ([Exodus 19:3-6](/exodus/19-3-6 "Exodus 19:3-6 - God's Initial Revelation")). Secondly, it underscores the critical theme of **Mediation**, with Moses serving as the indispensable intermediary between the holy God and His people, faithfully transmitting the divine message without alteration. This mediatorial role is central to the Sinai narrative and foreshadows future mediatorial figures. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Corporate Responsibility and Covenant**, as the elders, representing the entire nation, are called to hear and respond to God's terms. The covenant is not merely an individual agreement but a national one, requiring a collective assent from the people, as anticipated in [Exodus 19:8](/exodus/19-8 "Exodus 19:8 - Israel's Affirmation"). This moment sets the stage for Israel's identity as a covenant people, bound by divine law and promise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** H1697, from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing. In this context, "all these words" refers to the entire divine message and covenant proposal that the LORD had just delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 19:3-6). The term *dâbâr* carries significant weight, often denoting not merely spoken sounds but authoritative pronouncements, decrees, or matters of importance. Here, it emphasizes the divine origin and binding nature of the covenant terms, highlighting that what Moses conveyed was a complete and authoritative revelation from God, not a human suggestion or negotiation.
* **Elders (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** H2205, from זָקֵן; old; aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. The "elders" were the recognized and respected leaders within the tribal and family structures of Israel. They were chosen not just for their age but for their wisdom, experience, and ability to represent and govern the community. Moses' specific act of calling them signifies a formal and official presentation of God's message to the legitimate leadership of the nation, who were responsible for disseminating it to the wider populace and facilitating their corporate response. Their presence lent authority and legitimacy to the proceedings.
* **Laid before their faces (Hebrew, _sûwm pânîym'_):** H7760 (sûwm, to put) and H6440 (pânîym, face). This is a powerful Hebrew idiom, literally meaning "and he placed before their faces." It signifies a direct, open, and unambiguous presentation. Moses did not obscure, withhold, or modify God's words; rather, he presented them fully, transparently, and clearly for the elders' immediate consideration and response. The phrase underscores the divine expectation for a clear and uncoerced decision from the people through their representatives, emphasizing that the message was made fully accessible and demanded their direct attention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses came":** This phrase denotes Moses' immediate descent from Mount Sinai following his profound encounter with God. It underscores his prompt obedience and readiness to fulfill his crucial mediatorial role, effectively bridging the divine realm with human reception. His swift action highlights the urgency and importance of the message he carried.
* **"and called for the elders of the people":** Upon returning to the Israelite camp, Moses did not address the entire congregation directly but specifically convened the elders. This action demonstrates respect for the established hierarchical structure of Israelite society and acknowledges the elders' representative function. As recognized leaders, they were the appropriate intermediaries through whom significant national matters were communicated, deliberated, and then conveyed to the broader populace.
* **"and laid before their faces":** This vivid action signifies a direct, open, and transparent presentation of God's message. It implies that the divine words were not hidden, veiled, or delivered in an obscure manner, but were made fully accessible and understandable to the elders. This act demanded their full attention and conscious consideration, setting the stage for a clear and informed response from the nation.
* **"all these words which the LORD commanded him":** This concluding phrase emphatically underscores both the completeness and the divine authority of the message. Moses faithfully relayed the entirety of God's instructions and covenant proposal, without any addition, subtraction, or personal interpretation. The explicit emphasis on "the LORD commanded him" reinforces that the message originated directly from God Himself (Yᵉhôvâh), establishing its binding nature and the absolute necessity of Israel's obedient response.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 19:7 primarily employs **Mediation** and **Preparatory Action**. Moses functions as the central **Mediator**, bridging the immense gap between the transcendent, holy God and the human community of Israel. His physical descent from the mountain and subsequent gathering of the elders visually and narratively represent this crucial mediatorial role. The verse also serves as a critical **Preparatory Action**, meticulously setting the stage for the formal covenant ceremony and the subsequent giving of the Law at Sinai. It masterfully builds **Anticipation** for the people's collective response to God's covenant proposal and the impending, more direct encounter with God's presence upon the mountain. Furthermore, the clear, direct presentation of God's words, powerfully implied by the idiom "laid before their faces," highlights the divine commitment to **Transparency** and the expectation of **Accountability** inherent in God's dealings with His chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 19:7 profoundly illustrates the interconnected themes of divine initiative, faithful mediation, and corporate responsibility within the covenant relationship. God, in His sovereign grace and unwavering love, initiates the covenant with Israel, revealing His character, His past acts of deliverance, and His future intentions through His chosen messenger, Moses. This act of divine communication underscores God's profound desire for a relationship with His people, one founded on clearly revealed truth and requiring a conscious, informed choice. Moses' immediate and transparent relaying of "all these words" demonstrates the critical role of faithful spiritual leadership in conveying God's message without compromise or distortion, ensuring the people are fully informed of their obligations and privileges. The gathering of the elders signifies the corporate nature of the covenant, where the entire nation, through its representatives, is called to hear, consider, and respond to God's terms. This pivotal moment emphasizes that the covenant is a bilateral agreement, requiring both divine proposal and human assent.

* [Deuteronomy 5:5](/deuteronomy/5-5 "Deuteronomy 5:5 - Moses as Mediator at Sinai")
* [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ as a Better Mediator")
* [Exodus 24:3-8](/exodus/24-3-8 "Exodus 24:3-8 - Israel's Affirmation and Covenant Ratification")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 19:7 stands as a powerful testament to the clarity, intentionality, and authority with which God communicates His divine will, and concurrently, it highlights the profound responsibility incumbent upon those who receive it. Just as Moses faithfully presented God's words to the elders, so too are believers today called to receive, understand, and respond to God's revealed truth in the Holy Scriptures. Our faith is not a passive intellectual exercise but an active, dynamic engagement with the divine will, requiring us to truly internalize God's words—to "lay them before our faces"—to consider their profound implications, and to make a conscious, obedient choice to live in accordance with them. This verse also underscores the perpetual need for faithful spiritual leadership within the church, leadership that clearly, transparently, and unreservedly communicates biblical truth, thereby equipping and empowering the community to respond in genuine obedience and heartfelt devotion. It challenges each of us to honestly assess how diligently we are listening to God's voice through His Word and how intentionally we are applying His commands in both our individual lives and our corporate fellowship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I, like the elders, need to ensure I am truly "laying before my face" all of God's words, rather than selectively listening or ignoring uncomfortable truths?**
* **How does Moses' faithful and transparent mediation challenge me to be a clearer, more accurate, and more courageous communicator of God's truth to others in my spheres of influence?**
* **What specific "words" or commands has the LORD revealed in my life or through His Scripture that I need to respond to with greater intentionality, obedience, and wholehearted commitment?**

### FAQ

**What was the significance of Moses calling the "elders of the people" specifically?**

Answer: Moses called the elders because they were the recognized and authoritative representatives of the Israelite tribes and families. In ancient Near Eastern societies, elders served as crucial community leaders, judges, and spokesmen. By presenting God's covenant proposal to them, Moses ensured that the message was delivered to the legitimate, established leadership who could then effectively communicate it to the entire nation and facilitate their corporate response. This was a formal, culturally appropriate, and legally significant way to initiate a national decision of such immense importance, as further evidenced by their later participation in the covenant ratification ceremony in [Exodus 24:1](/exodus/24-1 "Exodus 24:1 - Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders go up").

**What were "all these words which the LORD commanded him"?**

Answer: "All these words" refer specifically to the covenant proposal God had just delivered to Moses on Mount Sinai, as detailed in [Exodus 19:3-6](/exodus/19-3-6 "Exodus 19:3-6 - God's Covenant Proposal"). This included God's powerful reminder of His miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt ("how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself," [Exodus 19:4](/exodus/19-4 "Exodus 19:4 - God's Deliverance and Care")), and the conditional promise that if they would "obey my voice and keep my covenant," they would be His "peculiar treasure... a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation" ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "Exodus 19:5-6 - God's Covenant Terms")). These were the foundational terms of the covenant God desired to establish with Israel, defining their unique identity and relationship with Him.

**What does the phrase "laid before their faces" imply about the communication?**

Answer: The idiom "laid before their faces" (Hebrew: וַיָּשֶׂם לִפְנֵיהֶם, *wayyāśem lifnêhem*) profoundly emphasizes that Moses presented God's words directly, clearly, and without any concealment, ambiguity, or modification. It signifies that the message was made fully transparent, accessible, and understandable to the elders, requiring their direct attention and conscious consideration. This act underscored that the Israelites were being given a clear choice to accept or reject God's terms, highlighting their corporate responsibility to respond decisively to divine revelation. It was not a veiled or hidden communication, but one demanding a solemn and informed answer from the entire nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 19:7, with Moses acting as the faithful and indispensable mediator between a holy God and His chosen people Israel, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and perfect mediation of Jesus Christ. Just as Moses descended from the awe-inspiring mountain to present God's authoritative "words" to the elders, so Christ, the eternal Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), descended from heaven to fully reveal the Father's will and establish a new and infinitely better covenant. While Moses presented a conditional covenant based on Israel's obedience to the Law, Jesus embodies the New Covenant, a covenant of grace established through His own perfect obedience, sinless life, and atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ as a Better Mediator")). He did not merely "lay words before faces" as an external messenger; rather, He became the living embodiment of God's truth, offering Himself as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Through Christ, God's ultimate command—to believe in His Son ([John 6:29](/john/6-29 "John 6:29 - The Work of God is to Believe"))—is laid before all humanity, inviting a response of saving faith and participation in an eternal, unconditional covenant secured by His precious blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")).

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

Exodus 4:29

And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:

Exodus 4:30

And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.

1 Corinthians 15:1

¶ Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

Exodus 3:16

¶ Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and [seen] that which is done to you in Egypt: