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' crucial instructions to the elders of Israel before he ascends Mount Sinai for an extended period of communion with God. Recognizing the necessity of continued governance and order within the vast Israelite camp during his absence, Moses wisely delegates judicial and administrative authority to Aaron and Hur, ensuring that any disputes or "matters" arising among the people could be properly addressed by trusted leaders until his return.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at a pivotal moment in the covenant narrative, immediately following the solemn ratification of the covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai. In [Exodus 24:3-8](/exodus/24-3 "Exodus 24:3-8 - The Covenant Ratification Ceremony"), the people had affirmed their commitment to obey God's commands, and Moses had sealed the covenant with blood. Subsequently, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel ascended part of the mountain and experienced a profound vision of God, even eating and drinking in His presence ([Exodus 24:9-11](/exodus/24-9 "Exodus 24:9-11 - The Elders See God")). Following this communal encounter, God specifically calls Moses to ascend higher into the cloud, to receive the stone tablets inscribed with the 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 ([Exodus 24:13](/exodus/24-13 "Exodus 24:13 - Joshua Accompanies Moses")), setting the stage for Moses' instructions to the remaining elders concerning the interim leadership of the camp. This delegation underscores the practical implications of Moses' unique role as mediator and the need for a stable social structure even in his absence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At this point in their journey, the Israelites are a newly formed nation, recently delivered from Egyptian bondage and now encamped at the foot of Mount Sinai. They are a massive, diverse population requiring constant governance, dispute resolution, and administrative oversight. Moses, as their divinely appointed leader, bore the immense burden of judging all their "matters" from morning until evening, a task so demanding that his father-in-law, Jethro, advised him to delegate responsibilities to capable men ([Exodus 18:13-26](/exodus/18-13 "Exodus 18:13-26 - Jethro's Counsel to Moses")). This verse reflects Moses' continued implementation of wise leadership principles, ensuring that the nascent nation would not descend into chaos during his prolonged absence. Aaron, Moses' brother, had already served as his spokesman and co-leader, and Hur had demonstrated his reliability by supporting Moses' arms during the 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 natural choices for this crucial temporary authority. The instruction highlights the ancient Near Eastern practice of delegated authority within large communities or kingdoms, ensuring continuity of order and justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tarry (Hebrew, _yashab'_):** The Hebrew verb יָשַׁב (_yashab_) means "to sit," "to dwell," "to remain," or "to abide." In this context, it conveys the idea of a stable, settled presence. Moses instructs the elders not merely to wait, but to "remain" or "abide" in their current location, 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. It implies a sense of responsibility to maintain order and readiness.
* **Matters (Hebrew, _davar'_):** The Hebrew word דָּבָר (_davar_) is remarkably broad, encompassing "word," "thing," "affair," "report," "case," or "legal dispute." Here, 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 use of _davar_ underscores the comprehensive nature of the authority delegated to Aaron and Hur, covering the full spectrum of community governance.

#### 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. His command to "tarry" (remain) indicates a temporary but significant period of absence. The phrase "for us" implies that his ascent, though personal, is for the benefit of the entire community, and "until we come again" clearly signals his intention to return, providing a timeframe and a promise of renewed direct leadership. This establishes a clear chain of command and a temporary nature to the delegated authority.
* **"and, behold, Aaron and Hur [are] with you:"** Moses explicitly names the two individuals designated to act as his representatives. The interjection "behold" (הִנֵּה, _hinneh_) draws immediate attention to their presence and authority. Aaron, Moses' elder brother and spokesman, was already a prominent figure, soon to be consecrated as High Priest. Hur is a less prominent figure but had proven his reliability alongside Aaron in supporting Moses' arms 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 and accessible point of authority for the people.
* **"if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them."** This clause defines the scope and purpose of the delegated authority. "Any matters to do" (כָּל־דָּבָר, _kol-davar_, "any word/thing/matter") encompasses all forms of disputes, legal questions, or administrative issues. The instruction "let him come unto them" establishes a clear 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.

#### Literary Devices
The passage primarily employs **Instructional Prose**, as Moses issues direct commands and clear directives to the elders. This straightforward language emphasizes the authority of Moses and the clarity of the delegated roles. The naming of Aaron and Hur serves as a form of **Designation**, clearly identifying the individuals entrusted with authority, which is crucial for maintaining order in a large, nascent community. The phrase "until we come again" functions as a form of **Temporal Framing**, setting the duration of the delegation and assuring the people of Moses' eventual return. Furthermore, the entire act of delegation itself is a practical demonstration of **Wise Leadership**, illustrating Moses' foresight 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 the people are maintained even in the absence of their primary human leader.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Moses' delegation of authority in Exodus 24:14 highlights several profound theological and thematic connections. It underscores God's desire for order and justice within His covenant people, demonstrating that even when the primary leader is engaged in divine revelation, the practical needs of the community for governance and dispute resolution must be met. This act reflects a divine principle of distributed leadership, where responsibility is shared among capable individuals to ensure the flourishing and stability of the collective. It also speaks to the importance of trust and accountability 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 is a model for all forms of spiritual and secular leadership, emphasizing the necessity of preparation, delegation, and the empowerment of others.

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

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 24:14 offers timeless lessons for leadership, community, and personal responsibility. Moses' actions demonstrate that effective leadership involves not only direct command but also the strategic delegation of authority, the empowerment of capable individuals, and the establishment of clear structures for maintaining order. In any organization, family, or church, there will be times when primary leaders are unavailable or focused on higher-level tasks. This verse reminds us of the critical importance of identifying, training, and trusting others to carry out essential functions. It challenges us to consider: Are we preparing others to step into roles of responsibility? Do we have clear processes for resolving conflicts and making decisions when key individuals are absent? For individuals, it prompts reflection on our own willingness to accept delegated authority with integrity and diligence, recognizing that our service contributes to the greater good and the stability of the community. Ultimately, this passage calls us to embrace God's desire for order and justice in all our interactions and structures, reflecting His character in our communal life.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can we better identify and empower capable individuals for leadership and service within our own communities or organizations?**
* **What structures or processes can we implement to ensure continuity, order, and effective dispute resolution during periods of transition or absence of primary leaders?**
* **In what ways can we cultivate a spirit of trust and accountability, both in those who delegate and those who are delegated responsibility?**

### FAQ

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

Answer: Aaron and Hur were chosen for their established credibility and proven reliability within the Israelite community. Aaron, as Moses' elder brother and spokesman ([Exodus 4:14-16](/exodus/4-14 "Exodus 4:14-16 - Aaron as Moses' Spokesman")), already held a prominent position and was soon to be consecrated as the High Priest. Hur, though less frequently mentioned, had demonstrated his 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 and justice during Moses' absence on Mount Sinai.

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

Answer: The Hebrew word _davar_ ("matters") is broad and encompasses a wide range of issues. In this context, it refers primarily to judicial and administrative affairs. 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 included administrative tasks necessary for the daily functioning of the vast Israelite camp, such as managing resources, maintaining order, and addressing any practical problems that arose. Essentially, they were to act as interim judges and administrators, ensuring that the social and legal fabric of the nation remained intact 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. Just as Moses ascended Sinai to receive the Law, so Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father after completing His earthly ministry, having secured a new and better covenant. Before His ascension, Jesus, the true Lawgiver and Judge ([Isaiah 33:22](/isaiah/33-22 "Isaiah 33:22 - The Lord is Our Judge, Lawgiver, and King")), delegated His authority to His disciples, commissioning them to continue His 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..." ([Matthew 28:18-19](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18-19 - The Great Commission")). He promised to send the Holy Spirit to empower them for this task ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power of the Holy Spirit")), ensuring that His presence and power would remain with His church until His glorious return. While Moses' absence was temporary and his delegates 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 of His kingdom's work until He comes again to establish His eternal 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.