Exodus 24:15

KJV

And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} went up {H5927} into the mount {H2022}, and a cloud {H6051} covered {H3680} the mount {H2022}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe went up onto the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. (A: Maftir)

Berean Standard Bible

When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it,

American Standard Version

And Moses went up into the mount, and the cloud covered the mount.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 24:15 captures a pivotal moment in the covenant narrative at Mount Sinai, depicting Moses' singular ascent into the divine presence. As Moses steps higher onto the sacred mountain, a dense cloud envelops it, serving as a profound visual manifestation of God's veiled glory and setting the stage for the direct reception of the Law, emphasizing the holiness and transcendence of the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the formal ratification of the Mosaic Covenant, detailed in [Exodus 24:1-11](/exodus/24-1-11 "Exodus 24:1-11 - The Covenant Ratified"). The people had already verbally committed to obeying all of God's words ([Exodus 24:3](/exodus/24-3 "Exodus 24:3 - Israel's Affirmation") and [Exodus 24:7](/exodus/24-7 "Exodus 24:7 - The Book of the Covenant")), and an elaborate covenant ceremony involving sacrifices and the sprinkling of blood had taken place. Furthermore, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders had a unique, albeit partial, vision of God, eating and drinking in His presence ([Exodus 24:9-11](/exodus/24-9-11 "Exodus 24:9-11 - The Elders See God")). Following this communal experience, [Exodus 24:12](/exodus/24-12 "Exodus 24:12 - Moses Called to the Mountain") records God's specific command for Moses alone to ascend the mountain to receive the stone tablets inscribed with the Law and commandments. Thus, Exodus 24:15 depicts the beginning of this singular, intimate encounter, a step beyond the collective experience of the elders.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, mountains were often perceived as sacred spaces, points of connection between the earthly and divine realms, where gods might dwell or manifest. Mount Sinai, also known as Horeb, became the quintessential mountain of revelation for Israel. The manifestation of God in a cloud (a **theophany**) was a recurring motif, signifying His presence, glory, and often His inaccessibility or veiled nature. This phenomenon was not merely atmospheric but a supernatural display of divine power and holiness, akin to the pillar of cloud that guided Israel through the wilderness ([Exodus 13:21-22](/exodus/13-21-22 "Exodus 13:21-22 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire")). The covering of the mountain by the cloud also served to emphasize the immense holiness of God, requiring a separation between the divine and the human, and highlighting Moses' unique role as mediator, being the only one permitted to enter this sacred space.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, [Exodus 24:15](/exodus/24-15 "Exodus 24:15 - Moses Ascends Mount Sinai"), stands as a powerful encapsulation of several overarching themes present throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the **holiness and transcendence of God**, emphasizing that the Almighty is set apart from humanity, requiring a sacred space and a veiled presence for interaction. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **divine revelation**, as God prepares to impart His Law and commandments, signifying the importance of His Word as the foundation for Israel's life. Thirdly, Moses' singular ascent reinforces the crucial theme of **mediation**, portraying him as the unique conduit between God and His people, a role that prefigures the ultimate mediator. Lastly, the scene contributes to the theme of **covenant**, as the cloud-covered mountain becomes the very locus where the terms of God's covenant with Israel are formally delivered, cementing their relationship as His chosen people, as previously established in [Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - God's Covenant with Israel at Sinai").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Went up (Hebrew, _ʿâlâh'_):** This verb (H5927) signifies an ascent, physically moving to a higher place. In a theological context, it often implies drawing nearer to God or to a place of divine encounter. Here, it underscores Moses' obedience and his unique calling to a higher level of communion with God, setting him apart from the rest of the people and even the elders.
* **Mount (Hebrew, _har'_):** While literally meaning "mountain" (H2022), in this context, "the mount" specifically refers to Mount Sinai (also known as Horeb), the sacred peak where God's presence was intensely manifested. It functions as a symbol of divine revelation, covenant-making, and the dwelling place of God's glory, marked by its inaccessibility to the common Israelite due to its holiness.
* **Cloud (Hebrew, _ʿânân'_):** This term (H6051) denotes a visible manifestation of God's presence, a **theophany**. Unlike an ordinary cloud, this `ʿânân` is a supernatural phenomenon, often associated with God's glory (_kāḇôd_). It serves as both a veil, protecting humanity from the overwhelming intensity of God's unmediated presence, and a clear sign of His active involvement, majesty, and transcendence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses went up into the mount":** This clause highlights Moses' singular act of obedience and his unique role as the divinely appointed mediator. Having been commanded by God to ascend to receive the tablets ([Exodus 24:12](/exodus/24-12 "Exodus 24:12 - God Calls Moses to the Mountain")), Moses' ascent signifies his separation from the people and his readiness for an unparalleled direct encounter with the Almighty. It marks the beginning of a forty-day period of intense communion and revelation.
* **"and a cloud covered the mount":** This phrase describes the immediate and profound visual manifestation of God's presence. The cloud is not merely atmospheric but a supernatural phenomenon, a **theophany** that veils the divine glory while simultaneously signaling its immense power and holiness. This covering serves as a divine barrier, emphasizing the sacredness of the mountain and the profound reverence required to approach God, while also protecting the people from the full, unmediated sight of His glory.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 24:15 employs several potent literary devices. **Symbolism** is prominent, with the "mount" symbolizing the sacred space of divine encounter and revelation, and the "cloud" serving as a powerful symbol of God's veiled presence, glory, and transcendence. This cloud is also a clear instance of **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God to humanity, which in this context is both awe-inspiring and protective. The act of Moses "going up" embodies **Ascension**, a motif that often signifies spiritual progress, proximity to the divine, and a unique calling. Furthermore, the scene presents a stark **Contrast** between the distant, veiled presence of God to the people and Moses' unique, intimate access, underscoring his unparalleled mediatorial role. The imagery evokes a sense of **Awe** and **Reverence**, preparing the reader for the profound revelation that is about to unfold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 24:15 profoundly underscores the themes of divine transcendence and immanence, revealing a God who is both utterly holy and set apart, yet desires to draw near to His people. The cloud covering Mount Sinai is a powerful symbol of God's glorious presence, His _kāḇôd_, which is too overwhelming for human eyes to behold directly, necessitating a veil. This act of veiling also highlights the holiness of God and the sacredness of the space where He chooses to manifest, demanding reverence and careful approach. Moses' unique ascent into this veiled presence foreshadows the necessity of mediation for humanity to commune with a holy God, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The scene also emphasizes God's meticulous preparation for the giving of His Law, signifying the weight and authority of the divine revelation to follow.

* [Exodus 19:9](/exodus/19-9 "Exodus 19:9 - God Appears in a Thick Cloud")
* [Leviticus 16:2](/leviticus/16-2 "Leviticus 16:2 - God Appears in the Cloud Over the Mercy Seat")
* [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Cloud Fills the Temple")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 24:15 invites us into a moment of profound awe and reverence before the Holy God. The cloud-covered mountain serves as a powerful reminder of God's immense glory and His set-apart nature, yet also His desire to communicate His will to humanity. For the Israelites, this scene would have instilled a deep sense of the sacredness of God's presence and the seriousness of His covenant. For us today, it challenges us to consider the reverence with which we approach God's Word and His presence. While we no longer ascend a physical mountain veiled in cloud, the spiritual reality remains: God is holy, and our access to Him is a profound privilege, made possible through grace. This verse calls us to cultivate a posture of humility, attentiveness, and obedience as we seek to understand and live out God's revealed truth in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the cloud covering Mount Sinai impact your understanding of God's holiness and transcendence?**
* **In what ways does Moses' unique ascent into the cloud challenge or inspire your own pursuit of intimacy with God?**
* **What does this passage teach us about the reverence due to God's presence and His Word?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the cloud covering Mount Sinai?**

Answer: The cloud covering Mount Sinai is a powerful **theophany**, a visible manifestation of God's presence. It serves multiple purposes: it signifies God's glory (_kāḇôd_) and majesty, acting as a veil to protect human eyes from the overwhelming intensity of His unmediated presence. It also marks the mountain as a sacred, set-apart space, emphasizing the holiness of God and the reverence required to approach Him. This cloud is not merely atmospheric but a supernatural phenomenon, clearly indicating God's active involvement and His separation from the common realm, preparing the way for the giving of the Law to Moses. This imagery is consistent with other biblical accounts of God's presence, such as the pillar of cloud that guided Israel ([Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - The Pillar of Cloud")) or the cloud filling the tabernacle and temple ([Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Cloud Fills the Tabernacle")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 24:15, with Moses' unique ascent into the cloud-covered mount, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate mediation and revelation found in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses alone could draw near to the veiled glory of God on Sinai, humanity, marred by sin, could not directly approach a holy God. The cloud, signifying both God's presence and His inaccessibility, points to the need for a perfect mediator. Jesus, however, is not merely a mediator who ascends to God, but God Himself incarnate. In Him, the divine glory is not veiled by a cloud but revealed in human flesh, for [the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and resurrection, the ultimate "veil" of sin that separated humanity from God was torn ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")). Now, through faith in Him, believers are granted direct access to the Father, no longer needing a physical mountain or a human mediator to approach God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the Sinai revelation, bringing not just the Law, but grace and truth, and making true communion with God possible for all who believe.

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 19:9

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD.

Matthew 17:5

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

Exodus 19:16

¶ And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that [was] in the camp trembled.

2 Chronicles 6:1

¶ Then said Solomon, The LORD hath said that he would dwell in the thick darkness.