Exodus 24:5

KJV

And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he sent {H7971} young men {H5288} of the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, which offered {H5927} burnt offerings {H5930}, and sacrificed {H2076} peace {H8002} offerings {H2077} of oxen {H6499} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He sent the young men of the people of Isra'el to offer burnt offerings and sacrifice peace offerings of oxen to ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD.

American Standard Version

And he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt-offerings, and sacrificed peace-offerings of oxen unto Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 24:5 details a crucial phase in the covenant ratification ceremony at Mount Sinai, where Moses, acting under divine instruction, dispatches chosen young men from the children of Israel to offer both burnt offerings and peace offerings of oxen to the LORD. This solemn act of sacrifice served as the tangible and ritualistic sealing of the Mosaic Covenant, following Israel's verbal commitment to obey God's laws, thereby signifying their complete dedication and the establishment of a unique, intimate fellowship with the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the climactic narrative of the covenant ceremony at Mount Sinai, serving as the ritualistic confirmation of Israel's prior verbal assent. Immediately preceding [Exodus 24:5](/exodus/24-5 "Exodus 24:5 - Covenant Sacrifices"), Moses had recounted all the words of the LORD, including the Ten Commandments ([Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments")) and the detailed statutes of the "Book of the Covenant" ([Exodus 21-23](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21-23 - The Book of the Covenant")), to the people. Their unanimous and emphatic response, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient" ([Exodus 24:3](/exodus/24-3 "Exodus 24:3 - Israel's Pledge of Obedience")), set the stage for this sacrificial act. Thus, [Exodus 24:5](/exodus/24-5 "Exodus 24:5 - Covenant Sacrifices") marks the transition from verbal agreement to physical, blood-sealed commitment, directly preceding the blood-sprinkling ceremony and the communal meal that profoundly solidify the covenant relationship between God and Israel, as described in [Exodus 24:6-8](/exodus/24-6-8 "Exodus 24:6-8 - The Covenant Sealed with Blood").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the ratification of solemn covenants or treaties universally involved elaborate rituals, often including the shedding of blood. The act of sacrificing animals symbolized the life given to seal the agreement and served as a potent warning of the dire consequences for breaking it. The "young men of the children of Israel" likely refers to chosen representatives, possibly the firstborn males who, prior to the formal establishment of the Levitical priesthood ([Numbers 3:12](/numbers/3-12 "Numbers 3:12 - The Levites Set Apart")), held a pre-eminent role in leading worship and offering sacrifices on behalf of their families or the community. Their participation underscored the corporate nature of the covenant, signifying that the entire nation was represented in this sacred act. The dual nature of the offerings—burnt offerings for complete dedication and atonement, and peace offerings for fellowship and communion—was a standard feature of Israelite worship, reflecting both the awe-inspiring holiness of God and His desire for intimate relationship with His people, a theme meticulously detailed throughout the sacrificial system in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Offerings and Purity").
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 24:5](/exodus/24-5 "Exodus 24:5 - Covenant Sacrifices") is rich with foundational theological themes. **Covenant** is central, as the verse describes the ritual sealing of the Mosaic Covenant, establishing Israel as God's treasured possession ([Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - Israel, God's Treasured Possession")). The act of **Sacrifice** is paramount, demonstrating that approach to a holy God requires a prescribed means of atonement and dedication. The distinction between burnt offerings (total surrender) and peace offerings (fellowship) highlights the theme of **Reconciliation and Communion**, portraying God's desire for both Israel's complete obedience and their intimate relationship with Him. Furthermore, the selection of the "young men" and Moses' role underscore the theme of **Mediation and Representation**, where designated individuals act on behalf of the entire community in sacred matters. This passage powerfully illustrates the interconnectedness of obedience, atonement, and fellowship in God's relationship with His people, a pattern that echoes throughout the biblical narrative, culminating in the New Covenant established by Christ ([Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sent (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** From H7971, this verb signifies Moses' authoritative command and delegation. It implies a deliberate, purposeful dispatch, highlighting his role as the divinely appointed mediator initiating this crucial ritual. The act of "sending" underscores that the covenant ceremony was not a spontaneous human endeavor but a divinely ordained process, orchestrated through God's chosen leader.
* **Burnt Offerings (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** From H5930, this term literally means "that which goes up," referring to the smoke of the entire animal (except for the hide) ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. This offering symbolized complete surrender, dedication, and general atonement for sin. Its total consumption on the altar signified the worshiper's absolute devotion and the complete giving of the offering to God, leaving nothing for human consumption. It represented the worshiper's desire for full acceptance and purification before a holy God.
* **Peace Offerings (Hebrew, _shelem'_):** From H8002, this term is properly translated as "requital" or "thanks," deriving from the root _shalom_, meaning "peace, wholeness, completeness, well-being." These offerings were unique in that only a portion was consumed by fire on the altar, while the remainder was shared by the priests and the worshipers in a communal meal. This act profoundly symbolized fellowship, communion, and reconciliation with God, celebrating the restored relationship and the peace enjoyed between God and His people. Unlike the burnt offering, it emphasized the joyful aspect of God's presence and the shared life of the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he sent young men of the children of Israel":** Moses, acting as God's chosen mediator and under divine instruction, delegates the sacred duties of sacrifice. The "young men" (H5288, _naʻar_) likely refers to designated representatives, possibly the firstborn of each family, who held a pre-Levitical priestly function, or other chosen individuals specifically appointed for this momentous occasion. Their involvement signifies the corporate participation of the entire nation (H1121, _bên_ H3478, _Yisrâʼêl_) in this covenant-making act, emphasizing that the covenant was made with the whole community.
* **"which offered burnt offerings":** These offerings (H5930, _ʻôlâh_) were wholly consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication, submission, and atonement for general sin. The verb "offered" (H5927, _ʻâlâh_) means "to ascend," reinforcing the idea of the offering rising to God. This act represented the people's total surrender to God's sovereignty and their acknowledgment of His holiness and their need for purification.
* **"and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the LORD":** These offerings (H2077, _zebach_ H8002, _shelem_) were for fellowship and communion with God. The verb "sacrificed" (H2076, _zâbach_) means "to slaughter an animal, usually in sacrifice." Oxen (H6499, _par_), being large and valuable animals, indicated the significance and costliness of the covenant being established. The act of sacrificing them to the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) underscored the sacredness of the agreement and the desire for a harmonious, reconciled relationship with God. The communal meal associated with peace offerings would later symbolize the shared life and peace enjoyed by God and His people within the covenant.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound meaning. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the animals themselves, their slaughter, and their consumption by fire or shared meal carrying deep theological significance. The **burnt offerings** (ʻôlâh) powerfully symbolize total devotion, complete surrender, and atonement, representing Israel's absolute commitment to God. In contrast, the **peace offerings** (shelem) symbolize fellowship, reconciliation, and the joy of communion with God, highlighting His desire for intimate relationship. The **oxen** represent a valuable and substantial sacrifice, underscoring the gravity and cost of the covenant being established. The act of Moses "sending" the young men highlights **Delegation** and his central role as **Mediator** between God and Israel. The entire scene is steeped in **Covenant Language** and **Ritualistic Action**, emphasizing the solemnity, binding nature, and sacredness of the agreement between a holy God and His chosen people. The dual nature of the sacrifices also presents a subtle **Contrast** between the need for complete surrender (burnt offering) and the invitation to intimate communion (peace offering), showcasing the multifaceted aspects of the relationship God desired with Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 24:5 powerfully illustrates the ancient understanding of covenant, sacrifice, and the means of drawing near to a holy God. It underscores that access to the divine presence is not arbitrary but requires a prescribed means of approach, involving both complete dedication and a desire for reconciliation. The offerings, particularly the burnt offering, foreshadow the ultimate means of atonement, highlighting the necessity of a blood sacrifice for the establishment and maintenance of a covenant relationship. The peace offering, conversely, emphasizes God's gracious invitation to fellowship, demonstrating that despite human sinfulness, He desires intimate communion with His people. This act solidifies the theological truth that while God initiates covenant out of His sovereign grace, human response, marked by obedience and costly sacrifice, is required for its ratification and the enjoyment of its profound benefits. It sets a precedent for the entire sacrificial system, revealing God's character as both holy and merciful, demanding righteousness yet providing a way for reconciliation.

* [Leviticus 1:3-4](/leviticus/1-3 "The Burnt Offering: A Voluntary Whole Offering")
* [Leviticus 3:1-5](/leviticus/3-1-5 "The Peace Offering: For Fellowship and Thanksgiving")
* [Hebrews 9:18-22](/hebrews/9-18-22 "The Necessity of Blood for Covenant Ratification")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The profound scene in Exodus 24:5 serves as a timeless reminder of the gravity and beauty of covenant relationship with God. Just as the Israelites were called to a tangible act of sacrifice to confirm their commitment to God's laws and promises, we too are called to a life of dedicated obedience and intimate fellowship with Him. While the form of sacrifice has changed dramatically with the coming of Christ, the underlying spiritual essence remains: a surrender of self and a passionate desire for communion with the divine. This passage challenges us to deeply consider the depth of our own commitment to God's new covenant in Christ and how our daily lives reflect both complete surrender to His will (like the burnt offering) and a joyful participation in the peace and intimate relationship He offers (like the peace offering). It prompts us to ask whether our "offerings"—our time, talents, resources, and very selves—are truly given wholeheartedly to the LORD, and if we are actively pursuing the fellowship that is the glorious fruit of His grace and our responsive faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does the dual nature of the burnt and peace offerings teach us about God's desire for both our complete dedication and our intimate fellowship with Him?**
* **How does the corporate act of the "young men" offering sacrifices on behalf of Israel relate to our understanding of the church as a collective body in covenant with God today?**
* **In what practical ways can we offer ourselves as "living sacrifices" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")) in our daily lives, reflecting the spirit of complete surrender seen in the burnt offering?**

### FAQ
**Why were both burnt offerings and peace offerings made at this specific moment?**

Answer: The combination of burnt offerings (עֹלָה, _'olah'_) and peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים, _shelamim'_) was essential for the covenant ratification ceremony because each type of offering carried distinct, yet complementary, theological significance, providing a comprehensive picture of the covenant relationship. The burnt offering symbolized complete dedication, submission, and atonement for general sin. It was entirely consumed by fire on the altar, representing Israel's wholehearted giving of themselves to God and acknowledging His holiness and their need for purification. The peace offering, on the other hand, symbolized fellowship, communion, and reconciliation. A portion of this offering was consumed by the worshipers in a communal meal, signifying the peace and restored relationship between God and His people. Together, these offerings underscored both the solemnity of the covenant—demanding absolute commitment and acknowledging sin—and the joyful intimacy God desired with His people. This dual sacrifice thus provided a complete ritual expression of Israel's renewed relationship with the LORD, a pattern seen throughout the sacrificial system outlined in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Laws of Offerings and Purity in Leviticus").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 24:5, with its profound emphasis on sacrifice for covenant ratification and the establishment of fellowship, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The burnt offerings, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement, powerfully foreshadow the perfect and singular sacrifice of Christ on the cross. He fully surrendered His life to God's will ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Christ's Obedience to Death")), becoming the ultimate propitiation for sin ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "Christ, the Propitiation for Sins")), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). His self-offering was a fragrant aroma to God ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Christ's Sacrificial Love")), perfectly accomplishing what the animal sacrifices could only point towards. The peace offerings, which facilitated a communal meal and symbolized intimate fellowship, are gloriously fulfilled in Christ, who is our true peace ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ Our Peace")). Through His shed blood, we are not only reconciled to God ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation Through Christ's Blood")) but also gain direct access to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Access to the Father Through Christ")) and enjoy true, unbroken communion with Him. The New Covenant, established by Christ's own blood ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "The New Covenant in His Blood")), forever supersedes the old, inviting all believers into an eternal relationship where the need for animal sacrifices is completely and perfectly satisfied by His one, sufficient, and eternal offering.

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

Exodus 18:12

And Jethro, Moses' father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' father in law before God.

Exodus 19:22

And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them.

Leviticus 1:1

¶ And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying,

Leviticus 1:17

And he shall cleave it with the wings thereof, [but] shall not divide [it] asunder: and the priest shall burn it upon the altar, upon the wood that [is] upon the fire: it [is] a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

Leviticus 3:1

¶ And if his oblation [be] a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer [it] of the herd; whether [it be] a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD.

Leviticus 3:17

[It shall be] a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor blood.

Leviticus 7:11

¶ And this [is] the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD.