Exodus 24:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he took {H3947} the book {H5612} of the covenant {H1285}, and read {H7121} in the audience {H241} of the people {H5971}: and they said {H559}, All that the LORD {H3068} hath said {H1696} will we do {H6213}, and be obedient {H8085}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he took the book of the covenant and read it aloud, so that the people could hear; and they responded, "Everything that ADONAI has spoken, we will do and obey."

Berean Standard Bible

Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 24:7 captures a pivotal moment in the establishment of the Mosaic Covenant, where Moses formally presents the "book of the covenant" to the assembled Israelites. Following the detailed revelation of God's laws at Mount Sinai, this verse records the people's unanimous and enthusiastic affirmation to obey all that the LORD had commanded, signifying their solemn commitment to the terms of the divine agreement. This public declaration underscores the reciprocal nature of the covenant and Israel's willing submission to God's supreme authority, setting the stage for the formal ratification ceremony.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 24:7 is situated at the climax of the covenant ratification ceremony at Mount Sinai, immediately following the detailed exposition of God's laws. The preceding chapters ([Exodus 20-23](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20-23 - The Mosaic Law")) contain the Ten Commandments and the "Book of the Covenant," which outlines civil, social, and ceremonial statutes. Prior to this verse, Moses had already prepared the physical elements for the ceremony, including building an altar, setting up twelve pillars, and overseeing the offering of burnt and peace offerings, with the blood collected for the covenant's sealing ([Exodus 24:4-6](/exodus/24-4-6 "Exodus 24:4-6 - Preparation for Covenant Ratification")). The public reading of the covenant terms and the people's verbal affirmation in this verse are crucial steps that precede the sprinkling of the blood upon the people, which formally seals the agreement ([Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - Blood of the Covenant")). This sequence emphasizes the solemnity, intentionality, and comprehensive nature of Israel's entry into a binding relationship with Yahweh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of covenant-making in the ancient Near East was a highly formalized process, often mirroring the structure of suzerainty treaties between a great king (suzerain) and his vassal. In this divine context, Yahweh functions as the supreme Suzerain, and Israel as His vassal nation. The "book of the covenant" (likely referring to the laws given in [Exodus 20-23](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20-23 - The Book of the Covenant")) served as the written terms of this divine treaty, a common feature in such agreements. The public reading of these terms ensured that every member of the community, regardless of status, was fully informed of their obligations, leaving no room for ignorance or future dispute. The people's collective verbal affirmation, "All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient," was a formal, binding oath of allegiance, a customary element in ancient treaties, signifying their acceptance of the covenant's stipulations and their willing submission to the divine authority of their God. This moment solidified Israel's identity as a unique nation bound to Yahweh by a sacred and legally defined pact.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Initiative**, as God is the one who establishes the covenant terms and calls His people into relationship. It emphasizes **Human Responsibility and Obedience**, showcasing Israel's volitional choice to accept and live by God's commands, a recurring motif throughout the wilderness narrative and into the promised land, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). The "book of the covenant" underscores the **Authority and Permanence of God's Word**, establishing a written, tangible record of divine expectations. Furthermore, the public nature of the event reinforces the theme of **Corporate Identity and Accountability**, demonstrating that the covenant was made with the entire nation, binding them together in their commitment to Yahweh. This collective pledge foreshadows the ongoing tension between Israel's covenant obligations and their historical failures, a theme explored extensively by the prophets (e.g., [Jeremiah 11:1-8](/jeremiah/11-1-8 "Jeremiah 11:1-8 - The Broken Covenant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **book (Hebrew, _çêpher'_):** From H5612. This term, properly referring to "writing" or a "document," by implication denotes a "book," "scroll," or "register." In this context, it emphasizes the written, authoritative, and permanent nature of the covenant stipulations. It signifies that God's laws were not merely oral traditions but a tangible, recorded compilation, ensuring their preservation and serving as a legal witness to the divine-human agreement.
* **covenant (Hebrew, _bᵉrîyth'_):** From H1285. This word describes a "compact," "confederacy," or "league," often conceived as being "cut" (referencing the ancient practice of cutting animals in two and parties passing between the pieces to ratify an agreement). It signifies a solemn, binding agreement, typically initiated by a superior party (God) and accepted by an inferior party (Israel), establishing a unique and exclusive relationship with mutual obligations, blessings for obedience, and curses for disobedience.
* **said (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** From H1696. This primitive root means "to speak" or "to arrange," but can also imply to "command," "declare," or "utter." In the context of "All that the LORD hath said," it refers to the entirety of God's revealed will and commands, emphasizing that the people's commitment is to the divine utterance itself, indicating the authority and origin of the covenant stipulations.
* **do (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** From H6213. This primitive root means "to do" or "to make" in the broadest sense, encompassing accomplishment, performance, and execution. The people's declaration "will we do" signifies their intention to actively put the covenant stipulations into practice, to perform the actions required by God's laws. It is a commitment to active, practical obedience, not merely passive mental agreement.
* **be obedient (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085. This primitive root means "to hear intelligently," often implying "to listen attentively," "to understand," and crucially, "to obey" or "to pay heed to." In Hebrew thought, "hearing" is not just auditory perception but a comprehensive response of the will. Coupled with "do," it underscores a holistic commitment: they will not only actively perform the commands but also listen attentively, internalize, and submit to the authority and wisdom behind God's voice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he took the book of the covenant,"**: Moses, acting as the divinely appointed mediator, physically takes the written compilation of God's laws. This "book" represents the tangible, authoritative terms and conditions of the covenant, encompassing the Ten Commandments and the detailed statutes given in [Exodus 20-23](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20-23 - The Book of the Covenant"). The act of taking it signifies its importance and readiness for official, public presentation.
* **"and read in the audience of the people:"**: Moses' public reading ensured that every individual present, from the leaders to the common person, was fully informed of the covenant's demands. This was not a private or exclusive agreement but a public, national commitment, underscoring the transparency and collective responsibility inherent in the covenant. The phrase "in the audience of the people" highlights that the covenant was heard and understood by all, leaving no room for claims of ignorance regarding their obligations.
* **"and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient."**: This is the people's unanimous, enthusiastic, and solemn oath of allegiance. Their declaration is comprehensive ("All that the LORD hath said") and dual-faceted ("will we do, and be obedient"). "Will we do" signifies their volitional commitment to actively perform the commands, while "be obedient" implies a readiness to listen attentively, internalize, and submit to God's ongoing voice and authority. This verbal pledge formalizes their acceptance of the covenant terms and their willingness to enter into a binding, exclusive relationship with Yahweh.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 24:7 employs several significant literary devices to convey the gravity and meaning of this pivotal moment. The most prominent is the **Covenant Formula**, which is evident in the structured presentation of the covenant terms (the "book of the covenant") followed by the people's explicit, collective affirmation. This pattern mirrors ancient Near Eastern treaty structures, lending immense gravitas, legal weight, and solemnity to the divine-human agreement. **Repetition** is also key, particularly in the people's dual response, "we will do, and be obedient." This emphasizes the comprehensive and earnest nature of their commitment, signifying both active performance of commands and attentive, submissive listening to God's voice. Furthermore, the "book of the covenant" itself functions as powerful **Symbolism**, representing God's authoritative word, the tangible terms of the sacred relationship, and a perpetual witness to Israel's obligations. The act of Moses reading it aloud is a form of **Public Proclamation**, ensuring universal awareness and collective accountability, thereby reinforcing the communal and national nature of the covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 24:7 powerfully underscores the themes of divine initiative, human responsibility, and the foundational importance of God's revealed word. God, as the sovereign Lord, graciously establishes the terms of the covenant, demonstrating His holiness and His desire for an exclusive relationship with His chosen people. Israel's unanimous and enthusiastic response highlights the necessity of human volition and corporate commitment in accepting and living out this relationship. Their pledge of obedience is not merely a legalistic burden but a joyful, communal affirmation of their identity as God's treasured possession, called to live distinctly according to His righteous standards. This moment sets the precedent for all future interactions between God and Israel, where faithfulness to the covenant is consistently presented as the path to blessing, while disobedience leads to consequences, as vividly portrayed throughout the historical books and prophetic literature.

* [Deuteronomy 5:27](/deuteronomy/5-27 "Deuteronomy 5:27 - Hear and Do")
* [Joshua 24:24](/joshua/24-24 "Joshua 24:24 - We Will Serve the LORD")
* [Jeremiah 7:23](/jeremiah/7-23 "Jeremiah 7:23 - Obey My Voice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 24:7 serves as a profound reminder of the seriousness and joy of our commitment to God's word. Just as the Israelites publicly and enthusiastically pledged their obedience to the covenant terms, so too are believers today called to a wholehearted "yes" to the Lord. While we live under the New Covenant, established by Christ's blood and grace, the principle of willing and active obedience remains central to our faith and discipleship. Our understanding of God's will, as revealed in the Scriptures, should lead not merely to intellectual assent or theoretical agreement but to a heartfelt desire to live in accordance with His truth, motivated by love, gratitude, and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This verse challenges us to examine the depth of our commitment: Do we truly listen to God's voice as revealed in His word, and are our lives a living affirmation of His commands, reflecting a genuine desire to "do" and "be obedient"?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient" practically mean for my daily choices and actions?**
* **In what specific areas of my life do I find myself most challenged to fully obey God's commands and surrender my will?**
* **How does my understanding of God's boundless grace, revealed in Christ, inform and motivate my desire for obedience?**
* **What tangible steps can I take this week to better "hear" God's voice through Scripture and more faithfully "do" His word in my life?**

### FAQ
**What was the "book of the covenant" mentioned in Exodus 24:7?**

Answer: The "book of the covenant" refers to the specific collection of laws and stipulations that God had just revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai. While it might not have been a single, bound volume as we understand books today, it was a written compilation of divine instructions. Scholars generally agree that it primarily encompassed the Ten Commandments given in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "Exodus 20 - The Ten Commandments"), along with the detailed civil and ceremonial laws found in [Exodus 21-23](/exodus/21 "Exodus 21-23 - The Book of the Covenant"). These laws formed the foundational terms of the covenant agreement between God and the nation of Israel, outlining their responsibilities and the framework for their unique relationship with Yahweh. Moses' act of writing them down made them tangible, authoritative, and a permanent record of God's expectations for His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 24:7, with its depiction of the Old Covenant's ratification through a public declaration of obedience, powerfully foreshadows the New Covenant established in Jesus Christ. The Israelites' earnest pledge, "All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient," represented their commitment to a covenant based on law and human effort, a covenant which they ultimately failed to uphold due to the weakness of the flesh, as evidenced throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:32](/jeremiah/31-32 "Jeremiah 31:32 - The Broken Old Covenant")). However, Jesus, as the perfect mediator of a new and better covenant, fulfills the spirit and intent of this ancient promise. His life of perfect, unwavering obedience to the Father's will (e.g., [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")) and His sacrificial death on the cross (e.g., [Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")) establish a covenant not based on human works, but on divine grace and His shed blood. Just as Moses sprinkled blood to ratify the old covenant ([Exodus 24:8](/exodus/24-8 "Exodus 24:8 - Blood of the Covenant")), Jesus' blood inaugurates the new (e.g., [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), providing forgiveness and enabling true obedience. Under this New Covenant, God writes His laws not on tablets of stone, but on the hearts of His people through the Holy Spirit (e.g., [Hebrews 8:10](/hebrews/8-10 "Hebrews 8:10 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")), empowering believers to live in newness of life through faith in Him (e.g., [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - The Law Fulfilled in Christ")). Thus, the ultimate "doing" and "being obedient" is found in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the Law and enables His followers to walk in His ways.

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

Deuteronomy 31:11

When all Israel is come to appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose, thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

Deuteronomy 31:13

And [that] their children, which have not known [any thing], may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

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.

Exodus 24:4

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.

1 Thessalonians 5:27

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

Jeremiah 7:23

But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you.

Jeremiah 7:24

But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels [and] in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.