Exodus 24:6

KJV

And Moses took half of the blood, and put [it] in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} took {H3947} half {H2677} of the blood {H1818}, and put {H7760} it in basons {H101}; and half {H2677} of the blood {H1818} he sprinkled {H2236} on the altar {H4196}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe took half of the blood and put it in basins; the other half of the blood he splashed against the altar.

Berean Standard Bible

Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar.

American Standard Version

And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 24:6 describes a pivotal moment in the solemn ratification ceremony of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai, where Moses, acting as mediator, meticulously divides the blood of sacrificial animals. One half of the collected blood is carefully placed in basins, while the other half is sprinkled directly upon the altar. This precise act, deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern covenant practices, profoundly signifies the establishment of a binding agreement between Yahweh and Israel, underscoring the sanctity of the covenant and the indispensable role of blood in consecration, purification, and reconciliation within the divine-human relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into the climactic narrative of the covenant's formal establishment between Yahweh and Israel at Mount Sinai. It follows the momentous giving of the Ten Commandments in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments") and the detailed civil and moral laws outlined in the "Book of the Covenant" in [Exodus 21-23](/exodus/21-23 "Exodus 21-23 - The Book of the Covenant"). Immediately prior to this ritual, Moses has diligently recorded all of God's words, constructed an altar at the foot of the mountain, and erected twelve pillars, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. Young men, acting on behalf of the community, have already offered burnt offerings, signifying complete dedication, and peace offerings, symbolizing fellowship and communion, thus setting the stage for this crucial blood ritual. The subsequent verses, particularly [Exodus 24:7-8](/exodus/24-7-8 "Exodus 24:7-8 - The Covenant Sealed by Blood"), detail the people's verbal affirmation of the covenant and Moses's act of sprinkling the remaining half of the blood upon them, thereby sealing the pact. The entire chapter culminates in Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders ascending the mountain to behold God, a profound act of covenantal communion and divine revelation.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the shedding and application of blood were common and immensely potent elements in treaty and covenant ceremonies. Blood, often understood as the very essence of life ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/11-17 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")), symbolized the gravity of an oath and the binding nature of an agreement. When blood was shed, it signified a life given, representing the ultimate commitment of the parties involved and often serving as a self-maledictory oath—a curse upon oneself if the covenant were broken. The division of the blood, with one portion dedicated to the deity and the other to the human party, was a powerful visual representation of a shared life and mutual obligation. The altar, as a sacred space and the designated point of communion with the divine, was the natural recipient of God's portion of the blood, consecrating the covenant itself to the Lord. This ritual, therefore, was not merely ceremonial but a deeply understood and profoundly serious act, communicating the life-and-death implications of entering into a covenant relationship with the sovereign God of Israel, establishing a sacred bond that demanded unwavering fidelity.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 24:6 is central to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **Covenant Ratification**, demonstrating the formal and solemn process by which God establishes His unique relationship with Israel. This act solidifies Israel's identity as God's chosen people, set apart to obey His laws. The verse also highlights **Mediation**, as Moses acts as the indispensable intermediary between a holy God and His people, handling the sacred elements and conveying the divine will. Furthermore, the use of blood underscores the theme of **Holiness and Atonement**, revealing that a holy God can only be approached through a consecrated means, and that life (symbolized by blood) is required for the establishment of a relationship with Him. This ritual anticipates the elaborate sacrificial system detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus "Leviticus - The Book of Sacrifices and Holiness"), emphasizing that sin requires a life-payment and that God provides the means for reconciliation. Finally, the verse contributes to the theme of **Divine Presence and Human Access**, showing how God condescends to enter into a binding relationship with humanity, even allowing a select few to behold His glory after the covenant is sealed, as described in [Exodus 24:9-11](/exodus/24-9-11 "Exodus 24:9-11 - The Elders Behold God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Blood (Hebrew, _dâm'_):** (H1818) From דָּמַם (compare אָדָם); blood (as that which when shed causes death) of man or an animal; by analogy, the juice of the grape; figuratively (especially in the plural) bloodshed (i.e. drops of blood); blood(-y, -guiltiness, (-thirsty), [phrase] innocent. This term is central to the Old Testament sacrificial system and covenant theology. It signifies life itself and is the means by which atonement is made. In the context of covenant, the shedding of blood represents the solemnity and binding nature of the agreement, often implying the penalty for breaking the covenant. Here, its division and application signify a shared life and mutual commitment between God and Israel, establishing a sacred bond.
* **Basins (Hebrew, _ʼaggân'_):** (H101) Probably from נָגַן; a bowl (as pounded out hollow); basin, cup, goblet. These vessels were not merely utilitarian but served a ritualistic purpose, carefully containing the sacred blood. Their use emphasizes the deliberate, reverent, and organized nature of the covenant ceremony, highlighting the preciousness and profound significance of the blood being handled. The collection in basins also allowed for the precise division and subsequent application of the blood.
* **Sprinkled (Hebrew, _zâraq'_):** (H2236) A primitive root; to sprinkle (fluid or solid particles); be here and there, scatter, sprinkle, strew. Unlike a gentle pouring, _zâraq_ implies a more forceful, decisive, and often widespread casting of the blood. This ritualistic action underscores the deliberate and public nature of the consecration. When applied to the altar, it signifies the dedication of the covenant to God and the sanctification of the means by which the covenant is established. When applied to the people (as in [Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - The Blood on the People")), it signifies their purification and their binding commitment to the covenant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses took half of the blood":** This clause immediately highlights Moses's indispensable mediatorial role. As God's chosen representative, he is entrusted with handling the sacred blood, which is the very essence of the covenant ceremony. The precise division into "half" is crucial, meticulously setting up the dual application: one portion for God (on the altar) and the other for the people (to be sprinkled on them in a later, equally significant step). This act underscores the bilateral nature of the covenant, involving two distinct parties.
* **"and put [it] in basons":** The collection of the blood in basins indicates a deliberate, reverent, and organized act. These specific vessels serve to contain the sacred element, preparing it for its ritualistic application. This step emphasizes the careful and respectful handling of the blood, signifying its profound importance and sacredness in the covenant-making process, ensuring no drop of this vital element is wasted or defiled.
* **"and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar":** This action represents God's portion of the covenant, signifying His acceptance and commitment. The altar, as the consecrated place of sacrifice and divine communion, receives the blood, symbolizing the consecration of the covenant to God Himself. It establishes the covenant on a foundation of holiness and divine presence, indicating that God is a party to the agreement and that the covenant is ratified in His sight and by His authority.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Exodus 24:6 is **Symbolism**. The blood itself is a profoundly potent symbol, representing life, atonement, purification, and the binding nature of a covenant. Its division into two halves powerfully symbolizes the two distinct parties entering the agreement: God and Israel, each receiving a portion of the life-giving essence. The act of sprinkling the blood on the altar is also highly symbolic, representing the consecration of the covenant to God, His acceptance of it, and the establishment of a sacred bond. Furthermore, the entire ritual functions as a **Type** or **Foreshadowing**, pointing forward to the ultimate and perfect covenant sealed by the blood of Christ. The meticulous, ritualistic actions described underscore the gravity and solemnity of the event, emphasizing the sacredness of the relationship being established between a holy God and His chosen people. The precise detail in the description serves to impress upon the reader the profound significance of this moment in Israel's history, highlighting the divine initiative and the costly nature of covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 24:6 profoundly illustrates the Old Testament understanding of covenant, sacrifice, and the holiness of God. The division and application of blood underscore the absolute seriousness with which God enters into relationship with humanity, demanding a response of obedience and fidelity from His people. It reveals that access to God and the establishment of a binding relationship require a consecrated means, foreshadowing the ultimate and perfect sacrifice. The ritual teaches that God's covenant is not a mere suggestion but a life-and-death commitment, sealed by the most precious element—blood—which represents life itself and the ultimate cost of breaking the agreement. This act establishes the foundation for Israel's worship and national identity, rooted in God's gracious initiative and their solemn promise of obedience.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")
* [Hebrews 9:18-22](/hebrews/9-18-22 "Hebrews 9:18-22 - The Necessity of Blood for Covenant Ratification")
* [Zechariah 9:11](/zechariah/9-11 "Zechariah 9:11 - The Covenant by Blood")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 24:6 serves as a powerful reminder of the solemnity and sacredness of God's covenants. It calls us to reflect deeply on the nature of our relationship with God, which is not based on casual agreement or fleeting emotion, but on a profound, life-altering pact initiated by Him. The meticulous ritual of blood application highlights that our approach to a holy God is always on His terms, through His prescribed means, underscoring the necessity of atonement for sin. For believers today, this verse should deepen our appreciation for the New Covenant, recognizing that if the Old Covenant required such a weighty and costly ritual, how much more glorious, efficacious, and eternally binding is the covenant sealed by the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. It challenges us to live in a manner worthy of such a covenant, embracing the responsibilities and privileges that come with being in relationship with the Almighty God, walking in obedience and gratitude for the immeasurable grace extended to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the seriousness of the blood ritual in Exodus 24:6 inform your understanding of God's holiness and the gravity of His covenants?**
* **In what ways does this Old Testament act of covenant ratification foreshadow the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ?**
* **Considering the emphasis on commitment and the sacredness of the covenant in this verse, how does your daily life reflect your commitment to the New Covenant sealed by Christ's blood?**

### FAQ
**Why was blood used in ancient covenants, and specifically in this verse?**

Answer: In the ancient Near East, blood was universally understood as the essence of life ([Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")). When shed in a covenant ceremony, it symbolized the solemnity and binding nature of the agreement. It represented a life given, indicating the ultimate commitment of the parties involved, and often implying the penalty of death for breaking the covenant. In [Exodus 24:6](/exodus/24-6 "Exodus 24:6 - The Blood of the Covenant"), the blood consecrated the covenant itself, making it sacred and binding before God. The division of the blood, with half for God (on the altar) and half for the people ([Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - The Covenant Sealed by Blood")), visualized a shared life and mutual obligation, signifying that both God and Israel were bound by the terms of the agreement. It was a powerful, tangible representation of the life-and-death seriousness of entering into a relationship with the Holy God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 24:6, with its solemn ritual of blood-sealed covenant, serves as a powerful type and shadow pointing directly to the ultimate and perfect covenant established through Jesus Christ. The divided blood, with one half sprinkled on the altar for God and the other reserved for the people, profoundly foreshadows the singular, efficacious shedding of Christ's blood. Unlike the temporary and repeated sacrifices of the Old Covenant, Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a once-for-all act ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")), by which He entered "once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption" ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Blood and Eternal Redemption")). His blood not only ratifies the New Covenant, which He Himself inaugurated at the Last Supper, declaring "This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood" ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), but also cleanses us from all sin ([1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood")) and grants us direct, confident access to God's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - Access to God through Christ's Blood")). The Old Covenant ritual, though vital for its time, was inherently limited; it could not perfect the conscience or fully reconcile humanity to God. Christ, as the true mediator and the spotless Lamb of God ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), perfectly fulfills the symbolism of Exodus 24:6, inaugurating a covenant of grace that offers complete atonement, sanctification, and eternal life to all who believe in His shed blood.

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

1 Peter 1:19

But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Exodus 24:8

And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled [it] on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the covenant, which the LORD hath made with you concerning all these words.

Hebrews 9:18

Whereupon neither the first [testament] was dedicated without blood.

Leviticus 4:6

And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.

Leviticus 1:5

And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that [is by] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Exodus 29:16

And thou shalt slay the ram, and thou shalt take his blood, and sprinkle [it] round about upon the altar.

Exodus 29:20

Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put [it] upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.