Exodus 24:16

KJV

And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} abode {H7931} upon mount {H2022} Sinai {H5514}, and the cloud {H6051} covered {H3680} it six {H8337} days {H3117}: and the seventh {H7637} day {H3117} he called {H7121} unto Moses {H4872} out of the midst {H8432} of the cloud {H6051}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The glory of ADONAI stayed on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days. On the seventh day he called to Moshe out of the cloud.

Berean Standard Bible

and the glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered it, and on the seventh day the LORD called to Moses from within the cloud.

American Standard Version

And the glory of Jehovah abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 24:16 vividly portrays the majestic and holy presence of God settling upon Mount Sinai, enveloped by a dense cloud, as Moses prepares for an unparalleled, intimate encounter with the Divine. This verse marks a crucial transition from the communal ratification of the covenant to a solitary, direct revelation of God's law to His chosen mediator. It profoundly underscores the awe-inspiring nature of God's glory, His sovereign timing in revelation, and the unique privilege granted to Moses to draw near to the very heart of the divine presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 24:16 serves as a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of God's covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai. It immediately follows the solemn covenant ratification ceremony detailed in [Exodus 24:3-8](/exodus/24-3-8 "Exodus 24:3-8 - Covenant Ratification"), where the people unequivocally pledged obedience to God's commands, and Moses sealed the agreement with blood. Prior to this, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders had ascended a portion of the mountain, experiencing a unique vision of God and sharing a communal meal in His presence, as recorded in [Exodus 24:9-11](/exodus/24-9-11 "Exodus 24:9-11 - The Elders See God"). With the covenant formally established, Moses is now summoned higher, alone, to receive the tablets of stone inscribed with the Law, as commanded in [Exodus 24:12](/exodus/24-12 "Exodus 24:12 - Moses Summoned to Receive the Tablets"). Verse 16 thus sets the stage for the extended period of divine instruction that follows, encompassing the Ten Commandments and the intricate blueprints for the Tabernacle, found in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). The six days of waiting, culminating in God's call on the seventh day, build intense anticipation for the direct divine communication about to unfold.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, mountains were frequently regarded as sacred spaces, serving as points of intersection between the divine and human realms where deities might descend to meet with mortals or reveal their will. Mount Sinai, therefore, provided a naturally fitting and culturally resonant setting for God's dramatic self-revelation to Israel. The manifestation of God's presence through a **cloud** and **fire**, as seen in [Exodus 19:18](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God Descends in Fire"), was a common motif for theophany (a visible manifestation of God) in the Old Testament, signifying both His majestic presence and His unapproachable holiness. The cloud, in particular, fulfilled a dual purpose: it both veiled the overwhelming glory of God, protecting human eyes from its full intensity, and simultaneously served as a tangible sign of His immanence and guidance, as previously demonstrated by the [pillar of cloud](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - The Pillar of Cloud and Fire") that led Israel through the wilderness. The concept of a divinely appointed mediator, like Moses, who could uniquely approach the divine on behalf of the people, was also crucial, reflecting the vast chasm between a holy God and a sinful humanity.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 24:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Central among these is the theme of **Divine Presence and Holiness**. The "glory of the LORD" abiding on Sinai, veiled by the cloud, powerfully emphasizes God's transcendent holiness and His immanence, His desire to dwell among His people. This scene reinforces the idea that God is both unapproachable in His full majesty and intimately present with His covenant people, a tension that will be resolved through the Tabernacle and ultimately in Christ. Another key theme is **Mediation**. Moses' unique calling "out of the midst of the cloud" highlights his indispensable role as the divinely appointed mediator between God and Israel, through whom God's law and will are communicated. This sets a pattern for understanding the necessity of a go-between for a sinful people to interact with a holy God. Finally, the verse underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Timing**. The six days of waiting before God calls Moses on the seventh day demonstrate God's precise control over events and His deliberate, purposeful unfolding of His plan, reinforcing the idea that God acts according to His perfect schedule, as seen throughout the exodus narrative, from the plagues in [Exodus 7-12](/exodus/7 "Exodus 7 - The Plagues Begin") to the crossing of the Red Sea in [Exodus 14](/exodus/14 "Exodus 14 - Crossing the Red Sea").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Glory (Hebrew, _kâbôwd'_):** This term (H3519) refers to the visible, tangible manifestation of God's weighty presence, splendor, and honor. It signifies not merely an abstract quality but an overwhelming, often luminous, display of His majesty and power. In this context, it indicates that God's very being and essence were present on Mount Sinai, a powerful and awe-inspiring reality that demanded reverence and separation. This "glory" is the very essence of God's self-revelation, often associated with His covenant presence among His people, later filling the [Tabernacle](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory Fills the Tabernacle") and [Temple](/1_kings/8-11 "1 Kings 8:11 - The Glory Fills Solomon's Temple").
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the Jewish national name of God (H3068), often translated as Jehovah or the Lord, derived from a root meaning "to be" or "self-Existent" (compare H1961, _hâyâh_). Its use here emphasizes the personal, covenantal God of Israel, the one who revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush as "I AM WHO I AM" ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - God Reveals His Name")). The presence of "the glory of the LORD" thus highlights that the God of the covenant, the one who brought Israel out of Egypt, is now manifesting His majestic presence to His people.
* **Abode (Hebrew, _shâkan'_):** The verb "abode" (H7931) means to settle, dwell, or reside permanently. Its use here is highly significant, indicating a deliberate and sustained presence of God's glory upon the mountain, not merely a fleeting appearance. This verb is the root of "Tabernacle" (מִשְׁכָּן, _mishkan_), literally "dwelling place." Thus, the glory "abiding" on Sinai powerfully foreshadows God's intention to "tabernacle" or dwell among His people in a more permanent, albeit portable, structure. It speaks to God's desire for intimate presence with His chosen nation.
* **Cloud (Hebrew, _ʻânân'_):** The cloud (H6051) is a recurring motif in the Old Testament, consistently symbolizing God's presence, often in a protective or revelatory capacity. Here, it functions as both a veil, concealing the full, overwhelming intensity of God's glory from human eyes, and a visible sign, confirming His presence to the waiting Israelites below. It signifies God's transcendence and immanence simultaneously—He is both beyond full human comprehension and intimately present with His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the glory of the LORD abode upon mount Sinai":** This clause establishes the central reality of the passage: God's majestic and weighty presence, His _kavod_, settled upon the sacred mountain. It indicates a deliberate and sustained divine dwelling, emphasizing the holiness of the place and the profound significance of the impending revelation. The verb "abode" highlights God's intentional decision to make His presence known and felt in a tangible way, foreshadowing His desire to dwell among His people.
* **"and the cloud covered it six days":** This part describes the visible manifestation of God's presence as a cloud, which enveloped the mountain for a specific duration. The cloud served to obscure the full intensity of God's glory, protecting the people while simultaneously signifying His presence. The "six days" signify a period of divine preparation, a time of waiting and anticipation that built suspense and underscored God's sovereign timing, perhaps echoing the six days of creation before the culmination on the seventh.
* **"and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud":** This final clause marks the culmination of the waiting period. On the seventh day, a day often associated with completion, divine rest, and covenant renewal, God Himself initiated the call to Moses. The phrase "out of the midst of the cloud" emphasizes Moses' unique and privileged access to God's veiled presence, distinguishing him as the sole human mediator chosen for direct communication with the Most High. This divine initiative highlights God's sovereign choice and Moses' singular role in receiving the Law.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 24:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truths. **Theophany** is central, as God's presence is made visible through the **cloud** and the **glory of the LORD**, creating an overwhelming sense of divine majesty and power. The **Symbolism** of the cloud is multifaceted: it simultaneously conceals God's full glory, making it bearable for human perception, while also serving as a tangible sign of His presence and guidance. The mountain itself is a powerful **Symbol** of a sacred space, a meeting point between heaven and earth, emphasizing the distinction between the earthly and the divine. The "six days" of waiting before Moses is called create a palpable sense of **Anticipation** and **Suspense**, emphasizing the solemnity and divine timing of the upcoming revelation. Furthermore, the passage contains strong **Foreshadowing**: the "abiding" of God's glory on Sinai hints at His desire to "tabernacle" among His people, a concept later actualized in the portable sanctuary. Most significantly, Moses' unique role as the one called into the cloud **Foreshadows** the ultimate mediator, Jesus Christ, who would fully bridge the gap between God and humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 24:16 powerfully articulates fundamental theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. It underscores His absolute holiness and transcendence, demonstrated by the veiled, yet palpable, manifestation of His glory that no ordinary human could approach directly. Simultaneously, it reveals His immanence and covenant faithfulness, as He chooses to "abide" among His people and initiate communication with His chosen mediator. The passage highlights the necessity of divine initiative and the role of mediation in bridging the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. It also teaches about divine timing and the importance of patient waiting on God's sovereign schedule. The scene on Sinai establishes a pattern of God's self-revelation that is both awe-inspiring and deeply personal, laying the groundwork for His continued dwelling among Israel.

* [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory Fills the Tabernacle")
* [1 Kings 8:10-11](/1_kings/8-10-11 "1 Kings 8:10-11 - The Glory Fills Solomon's Temple")
* [Isaiah 6:1-5](/isaiah/6-1-5 "Isaiah 6:1-5 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 24:16 invites us to cultivate a profound sense of reverence and awe before the holy God. The overwhelming display of His glory on Sinai reminds us that God is utterly distinct from His creation, transcendent in His majesty, and demands our utmost respect and worship. The "six days" of waiting before Moses was called serve as a powerful lesson in divine timing and the virtue of patience. Just as Moses had to wait for God's appointed moment, so too must we learn to trust God's perfect timing in our lives, resisting the urge to rush ahead of His leading. This passage also underscores the critical need for a mediator between a holy God and sinful humanity. While Moses served this role for ancient Israel, it ultimately points us to the perfect and final Mediator, Jesus Christ. Our reflection should lead us to appreciate the incredible privilege we have, through Christ, to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, a privilege Moses could only dream of. How might our daily lives reflect a greater reverence for God's holiness? What areas of our lives require more patience as we wait for God's perfect timing? How does understanding Christ as our Mediator deepen our worship and access to God?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the awe-inspiring presence of God on Mount Sinai, as described in this verse, inform our understanding of His holiness today?**
* **What practical lessons can we draw from the "six days" of waiting that the cloud covered the mountain before Moses was called?**
* **In what ways does Moses' unique access to God's presence, being called "out of the midst of the cloud," foreshadow or illuminate our own access to God through Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the "glory of the LORD" mentioned here?**

Answer: The "glory of the LORD" (Hebrew: _kâbôwd Yᵉhôvâh_) refers to the visible, weighty, and often luminous manifestation of God's presence, splendor, and honor. It's not merely an abstract concept but a tangible display of His divine essence and power. In [Exodus 24:16](/exodus/24-16 "Exodus 24:16 - The Glory on Sinai"), it signifies that God Himself, in His full majesty, was present on Mount Sinai. This glory often accompanied significant divine encounters and revelations throughout Scripture, such as when God's glory filled the [Tabernacle](/exodus/40-34 "Exodus 40:34 - The Glory Fills the Tabernacle") and later [Solomon's Temple](/1_kings/8-11 "1 Kings 8:11 - The Glory Fills Solomon's Temple"), or when [Moses requested to see God's glory](/exodus/33-18-23 "Exodus 33:18-23 - Moses Sees God's Back").

**Why did the cloud cover the mountain for "six days" before Moses was called?**

Answer: The "six days" of the cloud covering the mountain before God called Moses serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it emphasizes divine timing and preparation. God operates on His own sovereign schedule, and this period of waiting built anticipation and solemnity around the upcoming, momentous revelation. Secondly, it may echo the six days of creation, suggesting a new act of divine ordering or a new phase in God's relationship with Israel, culminating on the "seventh day" of divine rest and completion. Thirdly, the cloud itself acted as a protective barrier, veiling the full intensity of God's glory from the people, while simultaneously confirming His presence. This waiting period underscored the holiness of the encounter and the unique privilege of Moses' call.

**What is the significance of Moses being called "out of the midst of the cloud"?**

Answer: Moses being called "out of the midst of the cloud" highlights his unique and unparalleled role as God's chosen mediator. While the entire nation witnessed the cloud and the glory from a distance, only Moses was invited into its very heart for direct, intimate communication with God. This signifies God's personal initiative in selecting and empowering Moses to receive His divine law on behalf of Israel. It underscores the profound intimacy of this encounter, setting Moses apart as the one human granted such privileged access to the veiled presence of the Almighty. This special access foreshadows the singular mediation of Jesus Christ, who provides ultimate access to God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 24:16, with its depiction of God's veiled glory on Mount Sinai and Moses' unique mediation, powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Moses, called into the cloud to receive the Law, serves as a significant type of Christ, who is the ultimate Mediator between God and humanity ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ, the One Mediator")). The inaccessible glory on Sinai, shrouded in a cloud and guarded by divine fire, stands in stark contrast to the glory of God revealed in the face of Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant revealed God's glory through a veil and through a human mediator, the New Covenant reveals God's glory directly and fully in Christ ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")). Jesus is the true "dwelling place" (Tabernacle) of God among humanity, where God's glory "abode" in flesh and blood, fulfilling the longing for God's permanent presence with His people. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ has opened a new and living way, allowing believers to draw near to God's presence, not from a distance and with fear, but with boldness and confidence ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Boldly Approaching the Throne of Grace"), [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access Through Christ's Blood")). The temporary, veiled glory on Sinai finds its eternal, unveiled fulfillment in the person of Christ, who not only perfectly reveals God's glory but also enables us to partake in it as adopted children of God.

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 16:10

And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.

Numbers 16:42

And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation: and, behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the LORD appeared.

Numbers 14:10

But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Ezekiel 1:28

As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so [was] the appearance of the brightness round about. This [was] the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw [it], I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one that spake.

Psalms 99:7

He spake unto them in the cloudy pillar: they kept his testimonies, and the ordinance [that] he gave them.

Leviticus 9:23

¶ And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people.

Exodus 20:10

But the seventh day [is] the sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy gates: