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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 24:1–8. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The first two verses record the appointment of a second session upon mount Sinai, for the making of laws, when an end was put to the first. When a communion is begun between God and us, it shall never fail on his side, if it do not first fail on ours. Moses is directed to bring Aaron and his sons, and the seventy elders of Israel, that they might be witnesses of the glory of God, and that communion with him to which Moses was admitted; and that their testimony might confirm the people's faith. In this approach, 1. They must all be very reverent: Worship you afar off, Exo 24:1. Before they came near, they must worship. Thus we must enter into God's gates with humble and solemn adorations, draw near as those that know our distance, and admire the condescensions of God's grace in admitting us to draw near. Are great princes approached with the profound reverences of the body? And shall not the soul that draws near to God be bowed before him? 2. They must none of them come so near as Moses, Exo 24:2. They must come up to the Lord (and those that would approach to God must ascend), but Moses alone must come near, being therein a type of Christ, who, as the high priest, entered alone into the most holy place.
In the following verses, we have the solemn covenant made between God and Israel, and the exchanging of the ratifications; and a very solemn transaction it was, typifying the covenant of grace between God and believers through Christ.
I.Moses told the people the words of the Lord, Exo 24:3.
He did not lead them blindfold into the covenant, nor teach them a devotion that was the daughter of ignorance; but laid before them all the precepts, general and particular, in the foregoing chapters; and fairly put it to them whether they were willing to submit to these laws or no.
II.The people unanimously consented to the terms proposed, without reservation or exception:
All the words which the Lord hath said will we do. They had before consented in general to be under God's government (Exo 19:8); here they consent in particular to these laws now given. O that there had been such a heart in them! How well were it if people would but be always in the same good mind that sometimes they seem to be in! Many consent to the law, and yet do not live up to it; they have nothing to except against it, and yet will not persuade themselves to be ruled by it.
This is the tenour of the covenant, That, if they would observe the foregoing precepts, God would perform the foregoing promises. "Obey, and be happy." Here is the bargain made. Observe,
1.How it was engrossed in the book of the covenant: Moses wrote the words of the Lord (Exo 24:4), that there might be no mistake; probably he had written them as God dictated them on the mount. As soon as ever God had separated to himself a peculiar people in the world, he governed them by a written word, as he has done ever since, and will do while the world stands and the church in it. Moses, having engrossed the articles of agreement concluded upon between God and Israel, read them in the audience of the people (Exo 24:7), that they might be perfectly apprised of the thing, and might try whether their second thoughts were the same with their first, upon the whole matter. And we may suppose they were so; for their words (Exo 24:7) are the same with what they were (Exo 24:3), but something stronger: All that the Lord hath said (be it good, or be it evil, to flesh and blood, Jer 42:6) we will do; so they had said before, but now they add, "And will be obedient; not only we will do what has been commanded, but in every thing which shall further be ordained we will be obedient." Bravely resolved! if they had but stuck to their resolution. See here that God's covenants and commands are so incontestably equitable in themselves, and so highly advantageous to us, that the more we think of them, and the more plainly and fully they are set before us, the more reason we shall see to comply with them.
2.How it was sealed by the blood of the covenant, that Israel might receive strong consolations from the ratifying of God's promises to them, and might lie under strong obligations from the ratifying of their promises to God. Thus has Infinite Wisdom devised means that we may be confirmed both in our faith and in our obedience, may be both encouraged in our duty and engaged to it. The covenant must be made by sacrifice (Psa 50:5), because, since man has sinned, and forfeited his Creator's favour, there can be no fellowship by covenant till there be first friendship and atonement by sacrifice.
(1.)In preparation therefore for the parties interchangeably putting their seals to this covenant,
[1.]Moses builds an altar, to the honour of God, which was principally intended in all the altars that were built, and which was the first thing to be looked at in the covenant they were now to seal. No addition to the perfections of the divine nature can be made by any of God's dealings with the children of men, but in them his perfections are manifested and magnified, and his honour is shown forth; therefore he will not be represented by an altar, to signify that all he expected from them was that they should do him honour, and that, being his people, they should be to him for a name and a praise.
[2.]He erects twelve pillars, according to the number of the tribes. These were to represent the people, the other party to the covenant; and we may suppose that they were set up against the altar, and that Moses, as mediator, passed to and fro between them. Probably each tribe set up and knew its own pillar, and their elders stood by it.
[3.]He appointed sacrifices to be offered upon the altar (Exo 24:5), burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, which yet were designed to be expiatory. We are not concerned to enquire who these young men were that were employed in offering these sacrifices; for Moses was himself the priest, and what they did was purely as his servants, by his order and appointment. No doubt they were men who by their bodily strength were qualified for the service, and by their station among the people were fittest for the honour.
(2.)Preparation being thus made, the ratifications were very solemnly exchanged.
[1.]The blood of the sacrifice which the people offered was (part of it) sprinkled upon the altar (Exo 24:6), which signifies the people's dedicating themselves, their lives, and beings, to God, and to his honour. In the blood (which is the life) of the dead sacrifices all the Israelites were presented unto God as living sacrifices, Rom 12:1.
[2.]The blood of the sacrifice which God had owned and accepted was (the remainder of it) sprinkled either upon the people themselves (Exo 24:8) or upon the pillars that represented them, which signified God's graciously conferring his favour upon them and all the fruits of that favour, and his giving them all the gifts they could expect or desire from a God reconciled to them and in covenant with them by sacrifice. This part of the ceremony was thus explained: "Behold the blood of the covenant; see here how God has sealed to you to be a people; his promises to you, and yours to him, are both yea and amen." Thus our Lord Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant (of whom Moses was a type), having offered up himself a sacrifice upon the cross, that his blood might be indeed the blood of the covenant, sprinkled it upon the altar in his intercession (Heb 9:12), and sprinkles it upon his church by his word and ordinances and the influences and operations of the Spirit of promise, by whom we are sealed. He himself seemed to allude to this solemnity when, in the institution of the Lord's supper, he said, This cup is the New Testament (or covenant) in my blood. Compare with this, Heb 9:19, Heb 9:20.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Titles: That is, pillars.
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Summary
Exodus 24:4 meticulously details Moses' preparatory actions for the solemn covenant ratification ceremony between Yahweh and the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai. Following the divine revelation of God's laws, Moses diligently records the sacred words, constructs an altar for sacrificial offerings, and erects twelve pillars, each representing one of the tribes of Israel, thereby establishing the physical and symbolic framework for a profound and binding agreement between the holy God and His chosen people.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a pivotal moment following the extensive revelation of God's laws. It immediately succeeds the "Book of the Covenant" (found in Exodus 20:22-23:33), which elaborates upon the Ten Commandments with specific statutes for Israel's societal, judicial, and religious life. Crucially, the people have already verbally affirmed their commitment to obey all that the Lord has spoken, first at Mount Sinai and then again just prior to this verse in Exodus 24:3. Exodus 24:4 initiates the formal, ritualistic steps to solemnize and seal this covenant, setting the stage for the sacrificial offerings, the symbolic sprinkling of blood, and the covenant meal shared by Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders in God's immediate presence, as described in Exodus 24:5-11. Moses' actions here are not merely administrative but are integral components of a divinely ordained protocol for covenant making, adapted to solidify God's unique relationship with Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context
Covenant making in the ancient Near East was a highly formalized process, often involving written documentation, public declarations, and symbolic rituals to ensure legal validity and lasting remembrance. The structure of this covenant bears resemblance to "suzerainty treaties" prevalent in the second millennium BCE, where a powerful king (suzerain) would establish terms with a less powerful vassal nation. In this divine covenant, Yahweh is the ultimate Suzerain, and Israel is His chosen vassal. The act of writing the divine words, the construction of an altar, and the erection of pillars would have been universally understood by the Israelites as concrete, legally binding steps in such an agreement. The "hill" referenced is Mount Sinai (also known as Horeb), the sacred mountain where God's glorious presence had descended in fire and cloud (Exodus 19:18), imbuing the location with inherent sanctity and underscoring the divine authority behind the covenant. The explicit mention of "twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel" powerfully connects the covenant to the entire nation, encompassing all the descendants of Jacob's twelve sons, who formed the foundational tribal structure of Israel (Genesis 49).
Key Themes
Exodus 24:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights the theme of Divine Revelation and Human Response, emphasizing that God's will is clearly communicated and requires a tangible, obedient response from His people. Moses' writing of "all the words of the LORD" underscores the Authority and Permanence of God's Word, establishing it as the immutable foundation for Israel's life and identity. Secondly, the construction of the altar and pillars reinforces the theme of Covenant and Relationship, demonstrating God's initiative in establishing a binding relationship with Israel, based on specific terms and requiring ritual acts of consecration and representation. This act also sets the stage for the theme of Atonement and Access to God, as the altar signifies the necessity of sacrifice for a holy God to dwell among His people. Finally, the "twelve pillars" powerfully symbolize Corporate Unity and National Identity, emphasizing that the covenant is made with the entire collective body of Israel, uniting them as God's chosen people under His law. This communal aspect of faith is foundational to Israel's identity throughout their history, as seen in their journey through the wilderness and entry into the Promised Land (Numbers 1, Numbers 2).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the primitive root H3789, this verb signifies more than simple inscription; it implies an authoritative, permanent, and legally binding record. In the context of ancient Near Eastern treaties, writing down the stipulations was crucial for legal validity, public access, and future reference. Moses' act of writing "all the words of the LORD" underscores the divine origin and unalterable nature of the covenant terms, ensuring their preservation and transmission across generations as the foundational constitution for Israel.
This term encompasses "a word," but by implication, also a "matter" or "thing," and can refer to acts, decrees, commandments, or messages. Here, "all the words of the LORD" refers comprehensively to the divine utterances, including the Ten Commandments and the detailed statutes of the Book of the Covenant. This highlights the comprehensive nature of God's revelation, covering all aspects of Israel's life—moral, civil, and ceremonial—and establishing the divine mandate for their existence as a holy nation.
This feminine participle refers to "something stationed," typically a column or memorial stone. In this context, these stone pillars serve as monuments or markers. Their specific number, "twelve," explicitly links them to the twelve tribes of Israel, making them visual, enduring representations of the entire corporate body of the nation. They stand as tangible witnesses to the covenant agreement, signifying the collective participation, commitment, and representation of every tribe in this solemn pact with God.
Verse Breakdown
"And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD"
This opening clause establishes Moses' crucial role as the divinely appointed mediator and scribe. The "words of the LORD" encompass the entire revealed will of God, including the Ten Commandments and the detailed ordinances of the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22-23:33). This act of writing ensures the permanence, clarity, and accessibility of God's revealed will, providing a tangible, unalterable record for the people to consult, remember, and obey throughout their generations.
"and rose up early in the morning"
This detail emphasizes Moses' diligence, obedience, and profound eagerness to fulfill God's commands without delay. His promptness signifies the urgency and paramount importance of the sacred task at hand, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to mediating the covenant between a holy God and His chosen people. It also subtly suggests a sense of reverent readiness to engage in divinely ordained work, prioritizing God's will above all else.
"and builded an altar under the hill"
The construction of the altar signifies the establishment of a sacred space specifically designated for worship and sacrifice at the base of Mount Sinai. This altar would serve as the focal point for the burnt offerings and peace offerings that would precede the covenant meal, symbolizing atonement, dedication, and the initiation of communion with God. Its placement "under the hill" (Mount Sinai) powerfully reinforces the divine authority and majestic presence associated with the covenant, grounding the ceremony in the very place of God's revelation.
"and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel"
The erection of twelve stone pillars serves as a profound visual representation of the entire nation's corporate involvement in the covenant. Each pillar stands for one of Jacob's sons, the patriarchs of the twelve tribes, signifying that the covenant is made not merely with Moses or a select few, but with every individual and family unit within the collective body of Israel. These pillars act as enduring witnesses to the agreement, ensuring that no tribe is excluded from the responsibilities, blessings, or identity conferred by this solemn pact with Yahweh.
Literary Devices
Exodus 24:4 is rich in Symbolism. The act of writing symbolizes the permanence, authority, and immutability of God's Word, establishing a tangible, unalterable record of the divine stipulations for all generations. The altar symbolizes the necessity of sacrifice and atonement as the means by which sinful humanity can approach a holy God, foreshadowing the intricate sacrificial system central to the Old Covenant. The twelve pillars are a powerful symbol of the corporate unity, collective representation, and shared identity of the entire nation of Israel, emphasizing that the covenant is binding upon all tribes and every individual within them. Moses' promptness, conveyed by the phrase "rose up early in the morning," functions as a form of Emphasis, highlighting his dedicated obedience, spiritual readiness, and the profound urgency of the sacred task. The entire scene also serves as significant Foreshadowing, meticulously setting the stage for the formal ratification of the Old Covenant, which itself points forward to the New Covenant established through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 24:4 profoundly underscores the significance of God's revealed Word and the structured, intentional nature of His covenant relationship with humanity. The meticulous recording of God's commands emphasizes their divine origin, absolute authority, and enduring relevance, serving as the immutable foundation for Israel's life, worship, and faith. The construction of the altar and pillars highlights the corporate nature of the covenant, where the entire community is brought into a binding relationship with God through specific ritual actions involving sacrifice and collective representation. This detailed preparation for covenant ratification reveals God's desire for a relationship based on clear, immutable terms, mutual commitment, and the gracious provision for atonement, setting a foundational pattern for how humanity can approach and relate to a holy God who condescends to dwell among His people.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 24:4 invites us to a profound reflection on the nature of divine revelation and our personal and communal response to it. Just as Moses diligently recorded "all the words of the LORD," we are called to approach God's written Word, the Bible, with the same reverence, diligence, and unwavering commitment to understanding and obedience. The permanence of the written law reminds us that God's truth is not subjective, transient, or culturally relative, but stands as an enduring, authoritative guide for all of life. The corporate representation of the twelve tribes through the pillars also speaks powerfully to the communal aspect of faith; while our relationship with God is deeply personal, it is also intrinsically lived out within a community of believers, where we are collectively bound by God's covenant and called to mutual accountability, support, and shared mission. This verse challenges us to examine our own readiness to respond to God's call, to "rise up early" in our spiritual pursuits, and to actively participate in the life and mission of God's people, recognizing that foundational acts of faith and obedience are essential for establishing and sustaining our walk with Him.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of Moses writing "all the words of the LORD" in this context?
The act of Moses writing "all the words of the LORD" is profoundly significant because it establishes a permanent, authoritative, and accessible record of God's covenant stipulations. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, written documents were essential for legal validity, for ensuring that the terms of an agreement could be referenced and enforced across generations, and for public declaration. By meticulously writing down these divine commands, Moses ensured that the covenant between Yahweh and Israel was not merely an oral agreement but a binding, unalterable constitution for the nation. This act underscores the immutability of God's Word and its foundational role in the life of His people, providing a clear and enduring standard for their conduct and worship. It also highlights Moses' crucial role as the divinely inspired scribe and mediator of God's revelation to Israel (Deuteronomy 31:24-26).
Why were twelve pillars built, and what did they represent?
The twelve pillars were built specifically "according to the twelve tribes of Israel," serving as a powerful visual and symbolic representation of the entire nation's corporate participation in the covenant. Each pillar stood for one of the twelve sons of Jacob (Israel), whose descendants formed the twelve distinct tribes. This ensured that the covenant was understood as a corporate agreement, binding upon every family and individual within the collective body of Israel, from the greatest to the least. They were not merely decorative but functioned as enduring witnesses to the covenant agreement, a tangible reminder that all of Israel had entered into this solemn pact with Yahweh, signifying their shared identity and collective responsibility under God's law (Joshua 24:27).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 24:4, with its meticulous preparation for the Old Covenant's ratification, powerfully foreshadows the superior New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Moses, diligently writing the words and preparing the altar and pillars, serves as a type of mediator, laying the groundwork for a covenant that required external laws and a system of repeated animal sacrifices. Yet, this Old Covenant, mediated by Moses and sealed with the blood of animals (Hebrews 9:18-22), was ultimately insufficient to fully atone for sin or transform the human heart. Christ, however, is the supreme and perfect mediator of a New Covenant, not written on tablets of stone but on the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:6-13). He is not merely the scribe of God's words but the living Word made flesh, the very embodiment of divine revelation (John 1:1-14). The altar and the animal sacrifices of Exodus 24:4 find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is both the High Priest and the perfect Lamb of God, whose once-for-all sacrifice on the cross fully atones for sin and establishes an eternal covenant, providing perfect access to God (Hebrews 9:11-14 and Hebrews 10:10-14). The corporate representation of the twelve tribes in the pillars points to the universal church, the new Israel, gathered from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, united in Christ through faith, and living under the terms of His gracious and eternal covenant (Galatians 3:28-29 and Revelation 7:9-10).