Exodus 24:17

KJV

And the sight of the glory of the LORD [was] like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the sight {H4758} of the glory {H3519} of the LORD {H3068} was like devouring {H398} fire {H784} on the top {H7218} of the mount {H2022} in the eyes {H5869} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

To the people of Isra'el the glory of ADONAI looked like a raging fire on the top of the mountain.

Berean Standard Bible

And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites.

American Standard Version

And the appearance of the glory of Jehovah was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 24:17 provides a vivid and awe-inspiring description of the visible manifestation of God's glory on Mount Sinai, as perceived by the vast assembly of the Israelites. It portrays the LORD's presence as an intensely powerful and consuming fire atop the mountain, underscoring His absolute holiness, unapproachable transcendence, and the formidable power accompanying His covenantal revelation to His newly formed nation, thereby instilling profound reverence and a tangible sense of His divine reality.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within the climactic narrative of the Sinai covenant. It immediately follows the solemn ratification of the covenant, where Moses read the Book of the Covenant to the people, who affirmed their obedience with a resounding "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient" [Exodus 24:3-8](/exodus/24-3-8 "Exodus 24:3-8 - The Covenant Ratified"). Furthermore, it is set against the backdrop of a unique, privileged experience granted to Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders of Israel, who ascended a portion of the mountain and were permitted to [see the God of Israel](/exodus/24-9-11 "Exodus 24:9-11 - The Elders See God") and share a meal in His presence, a profound act of divine condescension. Following this, Moses was called higher onto the mountain to receive the tablets of stone and the commandments, during which the glory of the LORD settled upon Mount Sinai for six days, enveloped by a cloud [Exodus 24:12-16](/exodus/24-12-16 "Exodus 24:12-16 - Moses Ascends Sinai"). Verse 17 then shifts the perspective, describing what the vast assembly of the [children of Israel](/exodus/19-1 "Exodus 19:1 - Israel Arrives at Sinai") at the foot of the mountain perceived from a distance: the overwhelming visual manifestation of God's glory, presented in a form accessible (yet terrifying) to the masses.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai was the foundational event in the establishment of Israel as God's covenant people, transforming them from a collection of freed slaves into a nation set apart for God. The dramatic theophany, or visible manifestation of God, was crucial for impressing upon the Israelites the reality, power, and absolute holiness of the God who had delivered them from Egyptian bondage. In the ancient Near East, fire often symbolized divine presence, power, and judgment, and was frequently associated with deities. For Israel, this fiery display resonated with earlier divine encounters, such as the [burning bush](/exodus/3-2 "Exodus 3:2 - The Burning Bush") from which God first spoke to Moses, and the [pillar of fire](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - The Pillar of Fire by Night") that guided them through the wilderness. The "devouring fire" on Sinai served as a potent, undeniable sign of God's active presence and His absolute distinction from creation, reinforcing the sanctity of the covenant being established and the immense reverence due to the LORD. This display was not merely for show but was integral to the covenant ceremony, signifying God's purity and His demand for holiness from His people.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 24:17 powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **Divine Holiness and Transcendence**. The imagery of "devouring fire" vividly portrays God as utterly pure, separate, and unapproachable in His essence, emphasizing His distinctness from humanity and creation. This scene also highlights **God's Power and Majesty**, demonstrating His formidable strength and authority as the sovereign Lord. The visual spectacle serves as a **Confirmation of God's Presence and Covenant**, providing undeniable evidence to the entire nation that the God who delivered them from Egypt was truly present and establishing His covenant with them. Furthermore, it underscores the theme of **Reverence and Awe**, demanding a profound sense of respect and fear from His people in the face of such overwhelming glory. This dramatic encounter also sets the stage for the **Necessity of Mediation**, as the people cannot directly approach this consuming fire, necessitating Moses' role as an intermediary, a theme that finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. These themes are echoed throughout the Old Testament, for instance, in [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - God as a Consuming Fire") and [Isaiah 6:1-5](/isaiah/6-1-5 "Isaiah 6:1-5 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Glory").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sight (Hebrew, מַרְאֶה, _marʼeh_):** From the root meaning "to see," this term refers to a view or an appearance, specifically the thing seen. In this context, it denotes the tangible, visible manifestation of God's glory, emphasizing that what the Israelites witnessed was a real, observable phenomenon, not merely an abstract concept or an internal impression. It underscores the objective reality of the divine encounter.
* **Glory (Hebrew, כָּבוֹד, _kâbôwd_):** Derived from a root meaning "weight" or "heaviness," _kâbôwd_ in a theological sense refers to the visible manifestation of God's inherent majesty, honor, and substantial presence. It encompasses the sum of God's perfections and the outward display of His divine attributes, often accompanied by phenomena such as light, fire, or a cloud, making His presence palpable and awe-inspiring to human perception. It signifies the weighty reality of God's being.
* **Devouring Fire (Hebrew, אֵשׁ אֹכְלָה, _ʼêsh ʼâkal_):** This powerful compound phrase combines _ʼêsh_ ("fire") with _ʼâkal_ (the participle of the verb "to eat" or "to consume"). The combination emphasizes not merely the presence of fire, but its active, consuming, and purifying nature. It signifies God's active holiness, which purges impurity and judges sin. This is not a passive flame but an active, dynamic force that demands reverence and cannot tolerate anything unholy in its presence, highlighting God's absolute purity and formidable power to consume all that is contrary to His nature.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the sight of the glory of the LORD":** This opening clause immediately establishes the visual nature of the encounter. It was a direct, observable manifestation of God's majestic presence, indicating that the divine was made tangible and perceptible to human senses, confirming the reality of their encounter with the divine.
* **"[was] like devouring fire":** This is a powerful simile, comparing the appearance of God's glory to an active, consuming flame. This imagery conveys the intense power, purity, and unapproachable holiness of God. The "devouring" aspect highlights its active nature—it purifies, consumes, and judges, signifying God's intolerance of sin and His absolute righteousness.
* **"on the top of the mount":** This specifies the precise location of this awesome display, Mount Sinai. It underscores the sacred, set-apart nature of the mountain as the chosen place of divine encounter and covenant making, a place where God chose to reveal Himself in a spectacular and geographically defined way.
* **"in the eyes of the children of Israel":** This clarifies the perspective of the observation. The entire assembly of Israelites, positioned at the base of the mountain, collectively witnessed this terrifying and magnificent sight. It was a shared, undeniable experience that served to confirm God's presence and power to the entire nation, leaving an indelible impression.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 24:17 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the profound nature of God's self-revelation. The most prominent is **Simile**, evident in the phrase "like devouring fire," which directly compares the visible glory of the LORD to a consuming flame. This comparison vividly communicates the intensity, purity, and formidable power of God's presence, making the abstract concept of divine glory concrete and terrifyingly real. The entire scene is a quintessential example of **Theophany**, a visible manifestation of God to humanity, specifically designed to reveal His nature and communicate His will to His covenant people. The **Symbolism** of fire is central; it represents God's holiness, His purifying power, His active presence, and His righteous judgment. The fire both attracts and repels, signifying God's accessibility on His terms, yet His unapproachable nature for the impure. The collective visual experience of the "children of Israel" also serves as a powerful **Confirmation**, solidifying the reality of God's covenant with Israel and His awesome power in the minds of the people, ensuring that this foundational event was undeniably witnessed by the entire nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 24:17 profoundly articulates the themes of divine holiness, transcendence, and the awesome power of God. The "devouring fire" imagery establishes God as utterly pure, separate from all creation, and intolerant of sin, emphasizing His absolute righteousness. This visible manifestation of His glory served as a powerful, undeniable confirmation of His covenant with Israel, instilling both fear and faith. It teaches that while God draws near to His people, His presence demands absolute reverence and purity, reminding humanity of its inherent unworthiness before a holy God and the necessity of divine mediation. This encounter underscores that God's presence is not to be trifled with, and His holiness necessitates a proper response of awe and obedience from His people.

* [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "Deuteronomy 4:24 - The Lord Your God is a Consuming Fire")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Hebrews 12:29 - Our God is a Consuming Fire")
* [Isaiah 33:14](/isaiah/33-14 "Isaiah 33:14 - Who Can Dwell with the Consuming Fire?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The sight of God's glory as a "devouring fire" on Mount Sinai is a timeless reminder of the profound reverence due to our Creator. While we, as New Testament believers, no longer approach God through terrifying displays on a physical mountain, the fundamental truth of His holiness and majesty remains unchanged. This verse challenges us to consider the awe and respect with which we approach God in worship, prayer, and daily living. It calls us to examine our hearts for anything impure or irreverent, knowing that God's holy presence consumes all that is contrary to His nature. Yet, it also highlights the incredible grace that, through Christ, allows us to draw near to this same holy God, not with fear of consumption, but with boldness and confidence, transformed by His Spirit. Our worship should reflect both His unapproachable majesty and His intimate accessibility through Jesus, fostering a balance of holy fear and loving intimacy. This passage compels us to live lives that honor His purity and reflect His glory, understanding that His holiness is not a barrier but an invitation to be conformed to His perfect character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of God's glory as "devouring fire" shape your understanding of His character and holiness, and how does this impact your personal worship?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers today, sometimes diminish the awe and reverence due to God, and what practical steps can we take to cultivate a deeper sense of His majesty in our lives?**
* **How does the New Testament's teaching about approaching God through Christ reconcile with the "devouring fire" imagery of the Old Testament, and what does this mean for our confidence in prayer?**

### FAQ
**Why is God's glory described as "devouring fire" and what does it signify?**

Answer: The description of God's glory as "devouring fire" (Hebrew: _ʼêsh ʼâkal_) is highly significant and multifaceted. It primarily signifies God's absolute **holiness and purity**. Just as physical fire consumes dross and purifies metals, God's holiness consumes all impurity and sin; nothing unholy can stand in His presence without being consumed. Secondly, it conveys His **immense power and majesty**. This is not a passive flame but an active, dynamic force, demonstrating His formidable strength and transcendence over all creation. Thirdly, it speaks to His **righteous judgment**. The fire serves as a warning that God is a righteous judge who will not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely. Finally, it highlights His **active presence**. This visible, tangible manifestation was an undeniable sign to the Israelites that God was truly among them, making His covenant. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages, such as [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "The Lord Your God is a Consuming Fire") and [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Our God is a Consuming Fire"), which also describe God as a consuming fire, emphasizing His unchangeable nature.

**How could the elders "see God" (Exodus 24:9-11) if His glory was like a "devouring fire" to the rest of Israel?**

Answer: This question highlights a crucial distinction in the Sinai narrative. While Exodus 24:17 describes what the *entire assembly* of Israel saw from a distance—the terrifying, unapproachable glory on the mountaintop—Exodus 24:9-11 details a unique, privileged experience granted to Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders. They were invited to ascend a portion of the mountain and were explicitly said to have "saw the God of Israel" [Exodus 24:10](/exodus/24-10 "Exodus 24:10 - The Elders See God"). The text specifies that "there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness" [Exodus 24:10](/exodus/24-10 "Exodus 24:10 - The Elders See God"), and remarkably, "upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink" [Exodus 24:11](/exodus/24-11 "Exodus 24:11 - The Elders Eat with God"). This suggests that God revealed Himself to them in a *mediated* or *adapted* form that they could endure, perhaps a localized manifestation of His presence that was less overwhelming than the full, unbridled glory seen from afar by the masses. Their ability to survive this encounter and even "eat and drink" in His presence was an act of profound divine grace, underscoring their unique role as covenant mediators and witnesses, distinct from the general populace's experience of the distant, fiery glory. It illustrates God's sovereign choice in how and to whom He reveals Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 24:17, with its depiction of God's glory as a "devouring fire," finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament reveals God's unapproachable holiness, demanding reverence and separation, the New Testament proclaims that this same holy God has made Himself fully accessible through His Son. Jesus is the very [radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Jesus, the Radiance of God's Glory") (Hebrews 1:3), the one through whom the [fullness of God was pleased to dwell](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Fullness of God in Christ"). The terrifying fire on Sinai, which kept people at a distance, is now superseded by the incarnation, where God's glory is unveiled in the person of Christ, full of grace and truth [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), has perfectly fulfilled the demands of God's holiness and righteousness. He has become the ultimate mediator, allowing us to approach the "consuming fire" [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Our God is a Consuming Fire") not with fear of judgment, but with boldness and confidence, because our sin has been dealt with in Him [Hebrews 10:19](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19 - Boldness to Enter the Holy Place"). Furthermore, the fire of God's presence, once a barrier, now becomes the indwelling [Holy Spirit](/acts/2-3 "Acts 2:3 - Tongues of Fire at Pentecost") in believers, transforming them from glory to glory into the image of Christ [2 Corinthians 3:18](/2_corinthians/3-18 "2 Corinthians 3:18 - Transformed into His Image"), making us living temples where God's glorious presence resides, not as a threat, but as a sanctifying power.

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

Hebrews 12:29

For our God [is] a consuming fire.

Exodus 3:2

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed.

Deuteronomy 4:36

Out of heaven he made thee to hear his voice, that he might instruct thee: and upon earth he shewed thee his great fire; and thou heardest his words out of the midst of the fire.

Hebrews 12:18

¶ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

Habakkuk 3:4

And [his] brightness was as the light; he had horns [coming] out of his hand: and there [was] the hiding of his power.

Habakkuk 3:5

Before him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at his feet.

Deuteronomy 4:24

For the LORD thy God [is] a consuming fire, [even] a jealous God.