Exodus 24:14

KJV

And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur [are] with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he said {H559} unto the elders {H2205}, Tarry {H3427} ye here {H2088} for us, until we come again {H7725} unto you: and, behold, Aaron {H175} and Hur {H2354} are with you: if any {H4310} man {H1167} have any matters {H1697} to do {H1167}, let him come {H5066} unto them.

Complete Jewish Bible

To the leaders he said, "Stay here for us, until we come back to you. See, Aharon and Hur are with you; whoever has a problem should turn to them."(S: Maftir)

Berean Standard Bible

And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are here with you. Whoever has a dispute can go to them.”

American Standard Version

And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: whosoever hath a cause, let him come near unto them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 24:14 records Moses' pivotal instructions to the elders of Israel before his prolonged ascent of Mount Sinai to receive the Law from God. Recognizing the critical need for continuous governance and the maintenance of order within the vast Israelite camp during his absence, Moses wisely delegates judicial and administrative authority to Aaron and Hur. This ensures that any disputes, legal cases, or "matters" arising among the people could be properly addressed by trusted leaders, thereby preventing chaos and maintaining stability until his return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed at a climactic point in the covenant narrative, immediately following the solemn ratification of the covenant between Yahweh and Israel at Mount Sinai. In [Exodus 24:3-8](/exodus/24-3-8 "Exodus 24:3-8 - The Covenant Ratification Ceremony"), the people had unequivocally affirmed their commitment to obey God's commands, and Moses had sealed this sacred pact with sacrificial blood. Following this, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel ascended a portion of the mountain, where they were granted a profound, albeit indirect, vision of God, even partaking in a covenant meal in His presence ([Exodus 24:9-11](/exodus/24-9-11 "Exodus 24:9-11 - The Elders See God and Eat")). Subsequently, God specifically summons Moses to ascend higher into the cloud, to receive the stone tablets inscribed with the divine Law ([Exodus 24:12](/exodus/24-12 "Exodus 24:12 - Moses Called to Receive the Law")). Moses' faithful assistant, Joshua, accompanies him part of the way up the mountain ([Exodus 24:13](/exodus/24-13 "Exodus 24:13 - Joshua Accompanies Moses")), setting the immediate stage for Moses' crucial instructions to the remaining elders concerning the interim leadership of the camp. This delegation highlights the practical implications of Moses' unique role as mediator and the essential need for a stable social and judicial structure even in his absence.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this juncture, the Israelites are a nascent nation, having recently been miraculously delivered from centuries of Egyptian bondage. Now encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai, they represent a massive and diverse population, numbering in the millions, requiring constant governance, efficient dispute resolution, and meticulous administrative oversight. Moses, as their divinely appointed leader, had previously borne the immense burden of judging all their "matters" from morning until evening, a task so overwhelming that his father-in-law, Jethro, wisely advised him to delegate responsibilities to capable men ([Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13-26 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Jethro's Counsel on Delegation")). This verse demonstrates Moses' continued implementation of these sound leadership principles, ensuring that the fragile nation would not descend into anarchy during his prolonged absence on the mountain. Aaron, Moses' elder brother, had already served as his spokesman and co-leader, a role that positioned him as a natural successor for temporary authority. Hur, though less frequently mentioned, had demonstrated his reliability and loyalty by supporting Moses' arms alongside Aaron during the crucial battle against Amalek ([Exodus 17:12](/exodus/17-12 "Exodus 17:12 - Aaron and Hur Support Moses' Arms")). Their established credibility and positions within the community made them the logical and trustworthy choices for this vital temporary authority. This instruction also resonates with ancient Near Eastern practices of delegated authority within large communities or kingdoms, where continuity of order and justice was paramount.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 24:14 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Order and Governance**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for the structured and just functioning of His covenant people, even in the absence of their primary human leader. The delegation underscores the theme of **Wise Leadership and Delegation**, showcasing Moses' foresight, humility, and practical wisdom in empowering others to maintain the community's well-being. It highlights the importance of **Accountability and Trust** within the nascent Israelite community, as Moses places immense confidence in Aaron and Hur to faithfully execute justice. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Covenant Continuity**, ensuring that the practical implications of the recently ratified covenant—namely, the pursuit of justice and adherence to God's ways—would persist even while Moses was receiving the deeper revelations of the Law. This verse also subtly prefigures the necessity of **Mediatorial Figures** in God's plan, as Aaron and Hur step into a temporary mediatorial role for the people's disputes, mirroring Moses' greater role between God and Israel, and ultimately pointing to Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tarry (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** The Hebrew verb יָשַׁב (_yâshab_), Strong's H3427, means "to sit down," "to dwell," "to remain," or "to abide." In this context, it conveys more than just waiting; it implies a stable, settled presence and the responsibility to maintain order. The Strong's definition notes its use "specifically as judge," which is highly pertinent here, as the elders are instructed to remain in a position of readiness to oversee the community, and implicitly, to be available for the administration of justice. Moses instructs them to "remain" or "abide" in their designated place, signifying a sustained period of his absence and the need for their continued, steady presence as a point of reference and stability for the people.
* **man (Hebrew, _baʻal'_):** The Hebrew word בָּעַל (_baʻal_), Strong's H1167, typically means "master," "owner," or "husband." When used in the phrase "if any man have any matters to do," as it is here, it refers not merely to a generic individual but to someone who "possesses" or "has ownership" of a particular "matter" or "business." The Strong's definition includes phrases like "have to do" and "those to whom it is due." This emphasizes that the person approaching Aaron and Hur is not just anyone, but someone with a legitimate concern, a vested interest, or a specific issue that requires resolution or judgment.
* **matters (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** The Hebrew word דָּבָר (_dâbâr_), Strong's H1697, is exceptionally broad in its semantic range, encompassing "word," "thing," "affair," "report," "case," "business," "judgment," or "question." Here, in the phrase "if any man have any matters to do," it specifically refers to any practical, administrative, or judicial issues that might arise among the Israelites. This includes quarrels, legal cases, questions of law, or any other daily concerns requiring judgment or resolution. The comprehensive nature of _dâbâr_ underscores the wide scope of authority delegated to Aaron and Hur, covering the full spectrum of community governance and dispute resolution.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you:"** Moses directly addresses the seventy elders who had previously ascended with him to witness the covenant meal. His command to "tarry" (remain) signifies a temporary but significant period of absence, emphasizing the need for their continued presence and stability. The phrase "for us" implies that his ascent, though personal in its divine encounter, is ultimately for the benefit and future of the entire community. The explicit "until we come again" provides a clear timeframe and a promise of his eventual return, thereby establishing a temporary nature to the delegated authority and assuring the people of renewed direct leadership.
* **"and, behold, Aaron and Hur [are] with you:"** Moses explicitly names the two individuals designated to act as his primary representatives and arbiters. The interjection "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) serves to draw immediate and emphatic attention to their presence and the authority now vested in them. Aaron, Moses' elder brother and divinely appointed spokesman, was already a prominent figure, soon to be consecrated as the High Priest. Hur, while less prominent in the narrative, had proven his reliability and loyalty by supporting Moses' arms alongside Aaron during the battle with Amalek ([Exodus 17:12](/exodus/17-12 "Exodus 17:12 - Aaron and Hur Support Moses' Arms")). Their combined presence provides a credible, accessible, and unified point of authority for the people.
* **"if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them."** This concluding clause precisely defines the scope and purpose of the delegated authority. "Any matters to do" (כָּל־דָּבָר, _kol-dâbâr_, "any word/thing/matter") comprehensively encompasses all forms of disputes, legal questions, administrative issues, or daily concerns requiring judgment. The direct instruction "let him come unto them" establishes a clear and accessible process for seeking resolution, directing the people to Aaron and Hur as the designated arbiters in Moses' absence. This ensures that justice and order are maintained, preventing chaos and promoting stability within the community by providing a clear channel for addressing grievances and maintaining the social fabric.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Instructional Prose**, as Moses issues direct commands and clear directives to the elders, establishing a chain of command. This straightforward language emphasizes the authority of Moses as the divinely appointed leader and the clarity of the delegated roles. The explicit naming of Aaron and Hur serves as a form of **Designation**, clearly identifying the individuals entrusted with authority, which is crucial for maintaining order and preventing confusion in a large, newly formed community. The phrase "until we come again" functions as a form of **Temporal Framing**, setting the precise duration of the delegation and assuring the people of Moses' eventual return, providing a sense of stability and expectation. Furthermore, the entire act of delegation itself is a practical demonstration of **Wise Leadership**, illustrating Moses' foresight, strategic planning, and commitment to the well-being of the Israelite nation, even when he is focused on a higher divine calling. The underlying principle of **Divine Order** is implicitly conveyed, as the structure and governance of God's people are maintained even in the temporary absence of their primary human leader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Moses' delegation of authority in Exodus 24:14 illuminates several profound theological and thematic connections. It underscores God's unwavering desire for order, justice, and effective governance within His covenant people. Even when the primary leader is engaged in a profound experience of divine revelation, the practical needs of the community for administration and dispute resolution must be met. This act reflects a divine principle of distributed leadership, where responsibility is shared among capable and trusted individuals to ensure the flourishing and stability of the collective. It also speaks to the vital importance of trust, accountability, and the empowerment of others within a community, as Moses places significant confidence in Aaron and Hur to faithfully execute justice. This foresight in establishing a clear chain of command serves as a timeless model for all forms of spiritual and secular leadership, emphasizing the necessity of preparation, strategic delegation, and the cultivation of capable subordinates. The passage implicitly teaches that God's work often requires human collaboration and structured authority to bring about His purposes on earth.

* [Deuteronomy 1:16-17](/deuteronomy/1-16-17 "Deuteronomy 1:16-17 - Moses Appoints Judges")
* [Numbers 11:16-17](/numbers/11-16-17 "Numbers 11:16-17 - The Spirit on the Seventy Elders")
* [Acts 6:1-4](/acts/6-1-4 "Acts 6:1-4 - The Apostles Delegate to Deacons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 24:14 offers timeless and profound lessons for leadership, community dynamics, and personal responsibility within any structured group, be it a family, a workplace, or a church. Moses' actions powerfully demonstrate that effective leadership involves not only direct command and personal presence but also the strategic delegation of authority, the intentional empowerment of capable individuals, and the establishment of clear, resilient structures for maintaining order and resolving conflict. In any organization, there will inevitably be times when primary leaders are unavailable or intensely focused on higher-level, foundational tasks. This verse serves as a crucial reminder of the critical importance of identifying, training, and trusting others to carry out essential functions. It challenges us to honestly assess: Are we actively preparing others to step into roles of responsibility? Do we have clear, accessible processes for resolving conflicts and making important decisions when key individuals are absent or engaged elsewhere? For individuals who are called to serve, it prompts reflection on our own willingness to accept delegated authority with integrity, diligence, and a deep sense of accountability, recognizing that our faithful service contributes directly to the greater good and the stability of the entire community. Ultimately, this passage calls us to embrace and implement God's desire for order, justice, and wise governance in all our interactions and organizational structures, thereby reflecting His character in our communal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we better identify, mentor, and empower capable individuals for leadership and service within our own communities or organizations, anticipating future needs?**
* **What specific structures or processes can we implement or improve to ensure continuity, maintain order, and facilitate effective dispute resolution during periods of transition or the absence of primary leaders?**
* **In what practical ways can we cultivate a deeper spirit of trust and mutual accountability, both in those who delegate authority and those who are entrusted with responsibility?**

### FAQ

**Why were Aaron and Hur chosen specifically for this important role?**

Answer: Aaron and Hur were chosen for their established credibility, proven reliability, and existing positions of trust within the Israelite community. Aaron, as Moses' elder brother and divinely appointed spokesman ([Exodus 4:14-16](/exodus/4-14-16 "Exodus 4:14-16 - Aaron as Moses' Spokesman")), already held a prominent and recognized leadership position, a role that would soon be formalized with his consecration as the High Priest. Hur, though mentioned less frequently in the narrative, had demonstrated his unwavering trustworthiness and support for Moses alongside Aaron during the crucial battle against Amalek at Rephidim ([Exodus 17:12](/exodus/17-12 "Exodus 17:12 - Aaron and Hur Support Moses' Arms")). Their joint appointment provided a strong, unified, and accessible point of authority for the people, ensuring continuity of leadership, justice, and stability during Moses' prolonged absence on Mount Sinai.

**What kind of "matters" would Aaron and Hur be expected to handle?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _dâbâr_ ("matters"), as used in this context, is remarkably broad and encompasses a wide range of issues. It refers primarily to judicial and administrative affairs necessary for the daily functioning of the vast Israelite camp. This would include resolving disputes between individuals or families, mediating conflicts, hearing complaints, and making judgments according to the nascent laws and customs of the community. It also likely encompassed administrative tasks such as managing resources, maintaining general order, and addressing any practical problems that arose among the people. Essentially, they were to act as interim judges and administrators, ensuring that the social and legal fabric of the nation remained intact and functional while Moses communed with God to receive the full body of the Law.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 24:14, with Moses' temporary delegation of authority to Aaron and Hur, beautifully foreshadows the ultimate and permanent delegation of authority by Jesus Christ, the greater Moses. Just as Moses ascended Sinai to receive the Law, so Christ, after completing His perfect earthly ministry and securing a new and better covenant through His sacrifice, ascended to the right hand of the Father. Before His ascension, Jesus, the true Lawgiver and supreme Judge ([Isaiah 33:22](/isaiah/33-22 "Isaiah 33:22 - The Lord is Our Judge, Lawgiver, and King")), intentionally delegated His authority to His disciples, commissioning them to continue His redemptive work on earth. He declared, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). Furthermore, He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for this monumental task ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")), ensuring that His presence, power, and wisdom would remain with His church until His glorious return. While Moses' absence was temporary and his delegates merely human, Christ's "absence" is a strategic intercession at the Father's right hand ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), and His delegated authority to the church is empowered by the indwelling Spirit, guaranteeing the continuity and expansion of His kingdom's work until He comes again to establish His eternal and perfect reign.

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 17:12

But Moses' hands [were] heavy; and they took a stone, and put [it] under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

Exodus 17:10

So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

Genesis 22:5

And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

1 Samuel 10:8

And thou shalt go down before me to Gilgal; and, behold, I will come down unto thee, to offer burnt offerings, [and] to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shalt thou tarry, till I come to thee, and shew thee what thou shalt do.

Exodus 32:1

¶ And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.

Exodus 18:25

And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

Exodus 18:26

And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.