Exodus 24:3

And Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the LORD hath said will we do.

And Moses {H4872} came {H935} and told {H5608} the people {H5971} all the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, and all the judgments {H4941}: and all the people {H5971} answered {H6030} with one {H259} voice {H6963}, and said {H559}, All the words {H1697} which the LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696} will we do {H6213}.

Moshe came and told the people everything ADONAI had said, including all the rulings. The people answered with one voice: "We will obey every word ADONAI has spoken."

When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: โ€œAll the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.โ€

And Moses came and told the people all the words of Jehovah, and all the ordinances: and all the people answered with one voice, and said, All the words which Jehovah hath spoken will we do.

Commentary

Exodus 24:3 is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, marking the people of Israel's direct and unanimous acceptance of the covenant proposed by the LORD through Moses at Mount Sinai.

Context

This verse immediately follows the detailed revelation of God's laws and ordinances given to Moses, including the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and a series of social and religious statutes known as the "Book of the Covenant" (Exodus 21-23). Moses has just descended from the mountain, acting as the mediator between God and the people. He presents God's entire proposition for their relationship โ€“ not just the famous commandments, but all the associated judgments and stipulations that would govern their lives as God's chosen nation. The scene is set at the base of Mount Sinai, where the divine presence had been dramatically manifested.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Affirmation: The verse highlights the people's explicit and voluntary entry into a covenant relationship with God. This was not a forced agreement but a conscious choice to accept the terms of their divine King. Their declaration, "All the words which the LORD hath said will we do," signifies their commitment to abide by God's Law.
  • Unanimous Obedience: The phrase "answered with one voice" underscores the remarkable unity and collective enthusiasm of the Israelites in their initial response. It suggests a shared understanding and a singular, collective desire to align themselves with God's will. This immediate and widespread agreement is a powerful demonstration of their initial faith and willingness to obey.
  • Divine Authority: The emphasis on "all the words of the LORD, and all the judgments" reinforces that the source of these laws is God Himself. Moses is merely the messenger, conveying divine truth and expectation. This establishes the absolute authority underlying the covenant and the subsequent expectations for Israel's conduct.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Hebrew word for "words" is davar (ื“ึธึผื‘ึธืจ), which can mean not only spoken words but also matters, affairs, or things. Thus, "all the words of the LORD" implies the entirety of God's revelation and instructions.
  • "Judgments" translates mishpatim (ืžึดืฉึฐืืคึธึผื˜ึดื™ื), referring to legal rulings, ordinances, or customary laws. These are the specific applications and implications of the broader divine principles.
  • The phrase "with one voice" (ืงึนื•ืœ ืึถื—ึธื“, qol echad) literally means "one sound" or "one voice," emphasizing the complete unanimity and solidarity of the people's response.

Practical Application

Exodus 24:3 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of:

  • Hearing and Responding: Just as Israel heard God's words through Moses, we are called to hear God's word revealed in Scripture. Our response should be one of willing obedience, acknowledging His divine authority over our lives.
  • Commitment to God's Will: The Israelites' initial enthusiasm to "do all the words" serves as a benchmark for our own commitment. While their subsequent history shows the challenge of sustained obedience, their initial declaration highlights the necessary starting point of a covenant relationship โ€“ a heartfelt desire to follow God. This contrasts with later struggles, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 5:29, where God longs for a heart that would always fear Him and keep His commandments.
  • The Nature of Covenant: This verse beautifully illustrates the reciprocal nature of God's covenant with His people. God initiates by revealing His terms, and humanity responds with a pledge of faithfulness. This pattern is ultimately fulfilled and perfected in the New Covenant through Jesus Christ, where the law is written on the heart, enabling true and lasting obedience.
Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 19:8

    And all the people answered together, and said, All that the LORD hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the LORD.

  • Exodus 24:7

    And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient.

  • Joshua 24:22

    And Joshua said unto the people, Ye [are] witnesses against yourselves that ye have chosen you the LORD, to serve him. And they said, [We are] witnesses.

  • Deuteronomy 5:1

    ยถ And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them, Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and keep, and do them.

  • Deuteronomy 6:1

    ยถ Now these [are] the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do [them] in the land whither ye go to possess it:

  • Deuteronomy 4:1

    ยถ Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do [them], that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you.

  • Deuteronomy 4:5

    Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.
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