Exodus 24: Ratifying the Covenant with Blood — A Coptic Orthodox Commentary

✨ Executive Summary ✨

Exodus 24, a pivotal chapter, details the confirmation of the covenant between God and Israel at Mount Sinai. This chapter sees Moses ascending the mountain with chosen elders, beholding a vision of God’s glory, and receiving further commandments. Most importantly, the covenant is ratified through a blood sacrifice, symbolizing the solemn commitment of both God and His people. The blood, sprinkled on the altar and the people, signifies purification and union. This chapter foreshadows the ultimate covenant ratified by the blood of Christ on the Cross, offering eternal redemption. We’ll explore the symbolism of the mountain, the vision of God, and the profound significance of the sacrificial blood, drawing upon patristic interpretations and Coptic Orthodox tradition. Understanding the ratification of this covenant with blood in Exodus 24 deepens our appreciation of God’s unwavering love and the cost of our salvation.

Exodus 24 marks a high point in the Sinai narrative, where the fledgling nation of Israel seals its bond with the Almighty. This chapter is not merely historical; it is profoundly theological, offering insights into the nature of covenants, divine encounters, and the foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice. Let us delve into this sacred text, guided by the wisdom of the Holy Fathers, and unlock its enduring relevance for our lives today.

📜 Exodus 24:1-2 – The Call to Ascend

Exodus 24:1-2 (KJV): And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord: but they shall not come nigh; neither shall the people go up with him.

Exodus 24:1-2 (NKJV): Now He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. And Moses alone shall come near the Lord, but they shall not come near, nor shall the people go up with him.”

Moses receives the divine summons to ascend Mount Sinai, accompanied by a select group: Aaron, his sons Nadab and Abihu, and seventy elders. This restricted access highlights the holiness of God and the need for mediation. Only Moses, the chosen mediator, can draw near to the Lord. The act of worshiping “afar off” signifies reverence and recognition of God’s transcendence. The mountain itself, a physical landmark, becomes a symbolic representation of God’s presence and holiness.

Spiritual Application: We, too, are called to “ascend” in our spiritual lives, drawing nearer to God through prayer, repentance, and obedience. However, we must acknowledge our limitations and seek guidance from spiritual leaders and the Church Fathers, who act as mediators, helping us navigate the complexities of faith.

📜 Exodus 24:3-8 – The Covenant Ratified with Blood

Exodus 24:3-8 (KJV): 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. 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. And he sent young men of the children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen unto the Lord. And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basins; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 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. 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.

Exodus 24:3-8 (NKJV): So 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 has said we will do.” And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And he rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to the Lord. And Moses took half the blood and put it in basins, and half the blood he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient.” And Moses took the blood and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “This is the blood of the covenant which the Lord has made with you according to all these words.”

This section unveils the core of the covenant confirmation. Moses relays God’s words to the people, who unanimously pledge obedience. An altar is built, symbolizing God’s presence, alongside twelve pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Sacrifices are offered, and crucially, blood is divided: half sprinkled on the altar (representing God) and half on the people, sealing the covenant. The blood signifies purification, atonement, and a binding agreement. The reading of the “Book of the Covenant” reinforces the terms of the agreement, ensuring the people’s understanding and consent.

St. Athanasius, in his *Contra Gentes*, writes about the necessity of sacrifice and atonement: “Διὰ τοῦτο καὶ ὁ Λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ σῶμα γενόμενος, ἵνα ἀπολύσῃ τὸν ἄνθρωπον ἀπὸ τοῦ θανάτου, ἑαυτὸν προσήνεγκε θυσίαν” (Athanasius, *Contra Gentes* 40). Translation: “Therefore, the Word of God, becoming flesh, in order to release man from death, offered Himself as a sacrifice.” This Patristic insight emphasizes the continuity between the Old Testament sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the Cross.

Spiritual Application: This passage is a powerful reminder of the cost of covenant. God takes covenant very seriously, and he expects us to do the same. In our lives, this means being intentional with our commitments to Him, keeping our word, and taking our spiritual journey seriously. The blood sprinkled signifies our cleansing and reconciliation with God through Christ’s sacrifice.

📜 Exodus 24:9-11 – The Vision of God

Exodus 24:9-11 (KJV): Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did eat and drink.

Exodus 24:9-11 (NKJV): Then Moses went up, also Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and they saw the God of Israel. And there was under His feet as it were a paved work of sapphire stone, and it was like the very heavens in its clarity. But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank.

A select group, including Moses, Aaron, and the elders, ascends further and beholds “the God of Israel.” While the nature of this vision remains somewhat enigmatic, the description offers glimpses of divine glory. The “paved work of sapphire stone” beneath God’s feet evokes images of celestial beauty and stability. The fact that God “laid not his hand” upon them implies divine protection and acceptance. Furthermore, their eating and drinking in God’s presence symbolizes communion and fellowship.

The Coptic Orthodox Church understands this vision as a prefiguration of the Transfiguration of Christ on Mount Tabor. The glory revealed foreshadows the divine nature of Christ and the ultimate vision of God promised to believers. It’s important to note that the vision is not a complete unveiling of God’s essence, which remains incomprehensible to human beings.

Spiritual Application: We may not experience such a direct vision, but we can encounter God’s presence through prayer, Scripture, and the sacraments. We’re invited to feast at the Lord’s table, partaking of His Body and Blood, experiencing communion with Him. It is important to note that the *blood covenant is a dohost* of the promise God made to us through Jesus Christ.

📜 Exodus 24:12-18 – Moses Enters the Cloud

Exodus 24:12-18 (KJV): And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them. And Moses rose up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of God. And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us, until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur are with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto them. And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. And the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the midst of the cloud. And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.

Exodus 24:12-18 (NKJV): Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” So Moses arose with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up to the mountain of God. And he said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Indeed, Aaron and Hur are with you. If anyone has a difficulty, let him go to them.” Then Moses went up into the mountain, and a cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the Lord rested on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And on the seventh day He called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud. The sight of the glory of the Lord was like a consuming fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Moses receives the final summons to ascend the mountain alone and receive the tablets of stone, inscribed with the Law. He leaves instructions for the elders and ascends with Joshua. A cloud descends upon the mountain, concealing God’s glory. The “glory of the Lord” appears as “devouring fire,” emphasizing God’s power and holiness. Moses enters the cloud, remaining on the mountain for forty days and nights, a period of intense communion with God.

This forty-day sojourn foreshadows Christ’s forty days in the wilderness, fasting and preparing for His ministry. It also mirrors the forty days after the Resurrection, during which Christ taught His disciples about the Kingdom of God.

Spiritual Application: We are called to seek God in solitude and prayer, to enter into the “cloud” of His presence. Like Moses, we may encounter God’s glory as a “consuming fire,” challenging us to purify our hearts and minds. Through perseverance and faith, we can receive God’s guidance and wisdom, empowering us to live according to His commandments.

🔑 Key Reflections on Exodus 24

Here are some key takeaways from Exodus 24 that can enrich our spiritual understanding:

• The Covenant as a Two-Way Commitment: The covenant is not merely a divine decree but a mutual agreement, requiring both God’s faithfulness and humanity’s obedience.
• The Importance of Mediation: Moses serves as a crucial mediator between God and the people, highlighting the need for spiritual guidance and leadership.
• The Cleansing Power of Blood: The blood sacrifice symbolizes purification, atonement, and reconciliation with God, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
• Encountering God’s Glory: The vision of God experienced by the elders offers a glimpse of divine glory and the promise of future communion.
• The Call to Obedience: The people’s unanimous pledge to obey God’s commandments underscores the importance of living a life of obedience and faithfulness.
• The Mountain as a Symbolic Space: Mount Sinai represents a sacred space where humanity encounters the divine, a place of revelation and covenant.

❓ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions ❓

Let’s address some common questions about Exodus 24:

Q: What is the significance of the twelve pillars in Exodus 24:4?
A: The twelve pillars represent the twelve tribes of Israel, symbolizing the unity of the nation under God’s covenant. They serve as a physical reminder of the covenant relationship and the collective responsibility of the people.

Q: How does the blood sacrifice in Exodus 24 foreshadow the sacrifice of Christ?
A: The blood sacrifice in Exodus 24 prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. Just as the blood of animals cleansed the people of Israel from sin and ratified the covenant, Christ’s blood cleanses us from sin and establishes a new and everlasting covenant.

Q: What does the “devouring fire” represent in Exodus 24:17?
A: The “devouring fire” symbolizes God’s holiness, power, and justice. It serves as a warning against approaching God lightly and emphasizes the need for reverence and purification before encountering His presence.

Q: Why did Moses stay on Mount Sinai for forty days and nights?
A: Moses’ forty-day sojourn on Mount Sinai represents a period of intense communion with God. During this time, he received the tablets of stone inscribed with the Law and deepened his understanding of God’s will. The extended time also signifies dedication and the importance of setting aside dedicated time for spiritual growth.

🎉 Conclusion 🎉

Exodus 24: Ratifying the Covenant with Blood, is a powerful chapter that reveals the depth and solemnity of the covenant between God and Israel. The sacrifices, the vision of God, and the receiving of the law on the mountain all point to the unwavering commitment of God. The key takeaway is that God keeps his promises and He has bound Himself to us through Covenant. This covenant ratified with blood foreshadows the ultimate covenant established through the blood of Jesus Christ. We are called to respond to God’s love with obedience, faithfulness, and a sincere desire to draw nearer to Him. Let us strive to live lives worthy of this great covenant, reflecting God’s glory in our words and actions. Ultimately, may we all strive to draw closer to God everyday of our lives, and allow Him to change us, and sanctify us. Let us take the time to read scripture and to pray everyday, so that we may be worthy of calling ourselves Christians, and partakers in the Covenant which God has made with us.

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Exodus 24, Covenant, Mount Sinai, Blood Sacrifice, Coptic Orthodox, Patristic, Theology, Moses, Old Testament, Law

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Explore Exodus 24 through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover the covenant ratified with blood, its foreshadowing of Christ, and its lasting spiritual implications. Learn about the **Covenant with Blood** today!