Exodus 24:4

KJV

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} wrote {H3789} all the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068}, and rose up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and builded {H1129} an altar {H4196} under the hill {H2022}, and twelve pillars {H4676}, according to the twelve {H8147}{H6240} tribes {H7626} of Israel {H3478}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe wrote down all the words of ADONAI. He rose early in the morning, built an altar at the base of the mountain and set upright twelve large stones to represent the twelve tribes of Isra'el.

Berean Standard Bible

And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

American Standard Version

And Moses wrote all the words of Jehovah, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the mount, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/20-22-33 "Exodus 20:22-33 - The Book of the Covenant")), 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](/exodus/19-8 "Exodus 19:8 - Israel's Pledge of Obedience") and then again just prior to this verse in [Exodus 24:3](/exodus/24-3 "Exodus 24:3 - The People's Affirmation of Obedience"). 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](/exodus/24-5-11 "Exodus 24:5-11 - The Covenant Ratification Ceremony"). 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](/exodus/19-18 "Exodus 19:18 - God's Descent on Sinai")), 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](/genesis/49 "Genesis 49 - Jacob's Prophetic Blessings")).

* **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 1-2](/numbers/1 "Numbers 1-2 - Census and Camp Arrangement")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wrote (Hebrew, _kâthab'_):** 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.
* **Words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, 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.
* **Pillars (Hebrew, _matstsêbâh'_): From H4676, 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](/exodus/20-22-33 "Exodus 20:22-33 - The Book of the Covenant")). 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.

* [Deuteronomy 31:24](/deuteronomy/31-24 "Deuteronomy 31:24 - Moses Completes Writing the Law")
* [Joshua 24:27](/joshua/24-27 "Joshua 24:27 - The Stone as a Witness to the Covenant")
* [Hebrews 9:18-22](/hebrews/9-18-22 "Hebrews 9:18-22 - The Necessity of Blood for Covenant Ratification")

### 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
* **How does Moses' diligent act of writing God's words challenge my own approach to studying, valuing, and obeying the Scriptures in my daily life?**
* **In what ways do the altar and the twelve pillars symbolize the essential elements necessary for a healthy and vibrant relationship with God, both individually and corporately within the church?**
* **What does Moses' promptness ("rose up early in the morning") teach me about the importance of immediate, dedicated, and joyful obedience to God's call and commands in my life?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Moses writing "all the words of the LORD" in this context?**

Answer: 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](/deuteronomy/31-24-26 "Deuteronomy 31:24-26 - Moses Completes the Law and Commands Its Reading")).

**Why were twelve pillars built, and what did they represent?**

Answer: 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](/joshua/24-27 "Joshua 24:27 - The Stone as a Witness to the Covenant")).

### 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](/hebrews/9-18-22 "Hebrews 9:18-22 - The Necessity of Blood for Covenant Ratification")), 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](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "Jeremiah 31:31-34 - The New Covenant Prophecy") and [Hebrews 8:6-13](/hebrews/8-6-13 "Hebrews 8:6-13 - Christ, the Mediator of a Better Covenant")). 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](/john/1-1-14 "John 1:1-14 - The Word Became Flesh")). 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](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Single Sacrifice")). 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](/galatians/3-28-29 "Galatians 3:28-29 - All Are One in Christ Jesus") and [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Genesis 28:18

And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put [for] his pillows, and set it up [for] a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it.

Deuteronomy 31:9

¶ And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

Luke 22:30

That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Galatians 2:9

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Joshua 4:8

And the children of Israel did so as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the midst of Jordan, as the LORD spake unto Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.

Joshua 4:9

And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bare the ark of the covenant stood: and they are there unto this day.

Revelation 21:14

And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.