Exodus 24:2

KJV

And Moses alone shall come near the LORD: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} alone shall come near {H5066} the LORD {H3068}: but they shall not come nigh {H5066}; neither shall the people {H5971} go up {H5927} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

while Moshe alone approaches ADONAI -the others are not to approach, and the people are not to go up with him."

Berean Standard Bible

Moses alone shall approach the LORD, but the others must not come near. And the people may not go up with him.”

American Standard Version

and Moses alone shall come near unto Jehovah; but they shall not come near; neither shall the people go up with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 24:2 precisely defines the hierarchical access to God's immediate presence at Mount Sinai, underscoring the profound holiness of the LORD and the singular mediatorial role assigned to Moses. While Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders were granted a limited ascent, Moses alone was permitted to draw near to God, establishing an unbreachable boundary between the divine and the human, and emphasizing the indispensable need for a chosen intermediary in the covenant ratification process.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 24:2 is strategically positioned within the climactic narrative of the covenant ratification at Mount Sinai. It immediately follows God's invitation in [Exodus 24:1](/exodus/24-1 "Exodus 24:1 - Invitation to the Mountain") for Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders to ascend the mountain. This verse serves as an immediate, crucial clarification and restriction on that general invitation, specifying that ultimate, intimate access to the LORD's presence is reserved exclusively for Moses. It builds directly upon the preceding chapters, which detail the giving of the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")) and the "Book of the Covenant" ([Exodus 21-23](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21-23 - The Book of the Covenant"))—a foundational collection of laws and statutes forming the terms of Israel's relationship with God. The verse thus underscores the gravity and sacredness of the covenant being established, highlighting the divine majesty that necessitates such strict boundaries even for those chosen to represent the people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of Mount Sinai represents a pivotal moment in Israel's history, marking their formal establishment as God's covenant people following their deliverance from Egypt. In the ancient Near East, mountains were frequently regarded as sacred spaces, serving as points of connection between the earthly and divine realms, and often sites of divine revelation. The theophany at Sinai, characterized by thunder, lightning, smoke, and a trumpet blast ([Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16-19 "Exodus 19:16-19 - The Theophany at Sinai")), was an overwhelming demonstration of God's power and holiness, designed to instill both awe and reverence in the Israelites. The strict boundaries imposed around the mountain ([Exodus 19:12-13](/exodus/19-12-13 "Exodus 19:12-13 - Boundaries at Mount Sinai")) and the restricted access outlined in [Exodus 24:2](/exodus/24-2 "Exodus 24:2 - Moses' Unique Access") were not arbitrary rules but served to protect the people from the overwhelming holiness of God, which could be destructive to unholy beings. This hierarchical access also resonated with ancient temple practices, where only designated priests could enter certain sacred areas, reflecting a universal understanding of divine transcendence and human limitation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus and the Pentateuch. It powerfully reinforces the theme of **God's Transcendent Holiness**, demonstrating that His presence is so pure and powerful that it cannot be approached casually by sinful humanity. It highlights the theme of **Divine Election and Mediation**, showcasing Moses' unique, divinely appointed role as the sole intermediary through whom God communicates His will and covenant terms to Israel. The strict boundaries also emphasize the **Covenantal Relationship's Gravity**, signaling that entering into a covenant with such a holy God requires absolute obedience and adherence to His stipulations. Furthermore, it foreshadows the later development of the **Tabernacle and Priestly System**, where access to God's presence would remain highly regulated and mediated through designated individuals and rituals, as seen in the instructions given in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25-31 "Exodus 25-31 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Moses (Hebrew, _Môsheh'_):** From H4872, meaning "drawing out (of the water), i.e. rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver." The name itself, linked to his rescue from the Nile, foreshadows his role as the one God "draws out" to rescue His people and deliver His law. In this verse, his specific mention highlights his unique status as the divinely chosen "lawgiver" and primary human agent in the covenant, setting him apart from all others in his capacity to approach the LORD.
* **come near / come nigh (Hebrew, _nâgash'_):** From H5066, a primitive root meaning "to be or come (causatively, bring) near (for any purpose); religious to worship." This verb is used twice in the verse, first for Moses' permitted access ("shall come near") and then for the others' forbidden access ("shall not come nigh"). Its broad semantic range, encompassing general proximity, purposeful approach, and even religious worship, underscores the absolute nature of the restriction. Moses is permitted to draw near for the sacred purpose of receiving revelation and worship, while all others are prohibited from even a general proximity that might imply unauthorized access to the Holy One.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, meaning "(the) self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His specific relationship with Israel. The fact that Moses alone is permitted to "come near the LORD" (Yahweh) highlights the profound intimacy and privilege of his mediatorial role with the God who revealed Himself as "I AM WHO I AM" ([Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "Exodus 3:14 - I AM WHO I AM")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses alone shall come near the LORD":** This opening clause establishes Moses' singular privilege and unparalleled status among all of Israel. He is uniquely chosen and divinely authorized to have direct, intimate access to the very presence of Yahweh. This highlights his indispensable role as the primary mediator between God and His covenant people, entrusted with receiving and delivering the divine law and covenant terms.
* **"but they shall not come nigh":** This phrase refers specifically to Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders, who were mentioned as invited to ascend the mountain in [Exodus 24:1](/exodus/24-1 "Exodus 24:1 - Invitation to the Mountain"). While they were permitted to ascend to a certain point and witness God's glory from a distance ([Exodus 24:9-11](/exodus/24-9-11 "Exodus 24:9-11 - The Elders See God")), they were explicitly forbidden from approaching the innermost circle of God's immediate presence. This restriction reinforces the concept of graded holiness and the necessity of a single, authorized mediator.
* **"neither shall the people go up with him":** This final prohibition extends the restriction to the entire Israelite populace. It reiterates the strict boundaries established around Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:12-13](/exodus/19-12-13 "Exodus 19:12-13 - Boundaries at Sinai")) and underscores the profound separation between a holy God and sinful humanity. The people were to remain at the foot of the mountain, experiencing God's presence indirectly through Moses, their chosen representative, emphasizing their need for mediation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Emphasis** is achieved through the strategic use of exclusivity and negation. The phrase "Moses alone" (מֹשֶׁה לְבַדּוֹ) is a stark declaration of singular privilege, immediately followed by a double negative prohibition ("they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him"), which powerfully reinforces the strictness of the divine boundary. This **Juxtaposition** of Moses' unique, permitted access against the absolute prohibition for all others highlights his unparalleled mediatorial role and the profound holiness of God. Furthermore, the scene functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting a precedent for the Old Covenant's system of restricted access to God's presence, which would later be mediated through the High Priest and the Tabernacle/Temple. The mountain itself serves as **Symbolism** for the divine presence, a sacred space where the ordinary rules of engagement are suspended, and direct access is perilous, thereby underscoring God's transcendent holiness and the absolute need for a divinely appointed intermediary.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 24:2 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God's holiness and the necessity of mediation in humanity's approach to Him. It establishes a fundamental principle of the Old Covenant: direct access to the Holy God is dangerous for sinful humanity, necessitating a divinely appointed intermediary. Moses' unique privilege foreshadows a greater mediator, highlighting God's consistent plan to bridge the chasm between Himself and His people. This theme of restricted access under the Old Covenant, mediated by a chosen representative, sets the stage for the progressive revelation of God's plan of salvation, culminating in the New Covenant where the ultimate mediator brings full and free access.

* [Deuteronomy 5:5](/deuteronomy/5-5 "Deuteronomy 5:5 - Moses as Mediator")
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")
* [1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 24:2 serves as a powerful reminder of God's transcendent holiness and the profound reverence due to Him. In an age where casualness toward the divine can be prevalent, this verse calls us back to an awe-filled understanding of who God is—a Being of unapproachable light and purity. While the New Covenant, established through Christ, grants us direct access to God, the underlying principle of God's majesty and holiness remains eternally true. This passage should cultivate within us a deep appreciation for the immense privilege of approaching God, recognizing that our access is not through our own merit or effort, but solely through the perfect mediation of Jesus. It compels us to consider the immense cost of our access and to live lives that reflect the honor and respect due to the One who has graciously drawn us near.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the strictness of access in Exodus 24:2 shape your understanding of God's holiness and His separation from sin?**
* **What does Moses' unique role as mediator teach us about the nature of divine-human interaction before the coming of Christ?**
* **How should our understanding of Christ's perfect mediation (as foreshadowed here) impact our approach to God in prayer, worship, and daily living today?**

### FAQ
**Why was Moses the only one allowed to come near the LORD?**

Answer: Moses was uniquely chosen by God to be the primary mediator of the Old Covenant. His singular access to the LORD's immediate presence at Mount Sinai underscored his unparalleled authority and role in receiving the Law and communicating God's will to the Israelites. This exclusivity was a testament to God's specific election of Moses for this pivotal task, highlighting the divine holiness that necessitated a specially appointed representative to bridge the gap between God and His people. It also served to protect the people, as direct exposure to God's unmediated glory would have been fatal due to their sinfulness, as seen in God's declaration to Moses in [Exodus 33:20](/exodus/33-20 "Exodus 33:20 - No One Can See God and Live").

**What is the significance of the distinct Hebrew words for "come near" and "come nigh" in this verse?**

Answer: The King James Version translates the Hebrew verb `nâgash` (H5066) as both "come near" (for Moses) and "come nigh" (for the others). While both phrases convey the idea of approaching, the repetition and specific context emphasize the absolute nature of the prohibition for all but Moses. The verb `nâgash` itself has a broad range of meanings, from general proximity to a more purposeful, even religious, drawing near. By using this single verb for both the permitted and prohibited actions, the text stresses that not only is the intimate, privileged access forbidden to all but Moses, but even a more general, unauthorized proximity is strictly prohibited for the others and the people. This linguistic nuance underscores the severe and unyielding boundaries set around God's holy presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 24:2, with its stark portrayal of restricted access to God's holy presence through a single, divinely appointed mediator, finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Moses, as the chosen intermediary between God and Israel, serves as a powerful type of Christ. Just as Moses alone could "come near the LORD" to receive and deliver the covenant, so too is Jesus the "one mediator between God and mankind" ([1 Timothy 2:5](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus")). The Old Covenant's system, with its veiled sanctuary and limited access, profoundly underscored humanity's separation from a holy God due to sin. However, through Christ's perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection, the very veil that separated humanity from God's immediate presence in the Temple was torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "Matthew 27:51 - The Temple Veil Torn")), signifying that the way to God has been opened for all who believe. No longer do we need an earthly priest or a specific sacred mountain; instead, we are invited to "draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith" ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Draw Near with a True Heart")), because Jesus, our great High Priest, has entered the true heavenly sanctuary on our behalf ([Hebrews 9:24](/hebrews/9-24 "Hebrews 9:24 - Christ's Entry into Heaven")). He is the new and living way, granting us bold and confident access to the Father ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Boldness and Access Through Faith")). Thus, the exclusivity of Moses' access is transformed into the inclusivity of access for all believers through the finished work of Christ, who perfectly fulfills and infinitely transcends the mediatorial role foreshadowed in Exodus.

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 10:21

And [having] an high priest over the house of God;

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Exodus 24:18

And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

Exodus 24:13

And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God.

Exodus 24:15

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

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Numbers 16:5

And he spake unto Korah and unto all his company, saying, Even to morrow the LORD will shew who [are] his, and [who is] holy; and will cause [him] to come near unto him: even [him] whom he hath chosen will he cause to come near unto him.