Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. New Living Translation Then Moses disappeared into the cloud as he climbed higher up the mountain. He remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. English Standard Version Moses entered the cloud and went up on the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Berean Standard Bible Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. King James Bible 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. New King James Version So Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up into the mountain. And Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. New American Standard Bible Then Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. NASB 1995 Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. NASB 1977 And Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Legacy Standard Bible Then Moses entered the midst of the cloud as he went up to the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Amplified Bible Moses entered the midst of the cloud and went up the mountain; and he was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Christian Standard Bible Moses entered the cloud as he went up the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Holman Christian Standard Bible Moses entered the cloud as he went up the mountain, and he remained on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights. American Standard Version And Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and went up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. English Revised Version And Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and went up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. GOD'S WORD® Translation Moses entered the cloud as he went up the mountain. He stayed on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights. Good News Translation Moses went on up the mountain into the cloud. There he stayed for forty days and nights. International Standard Version When Moses went up on the mountain, he went into the center of the cloud and was on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights. NET Bible Moses went into the cloud when he went up the mountain, and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. New Heart English Bible Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and went up on the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Webster's Bible Translation And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and ascended the mount: and Moses was on the mount forty days and forty nights. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMoses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. World English Bible Moses entered into the middle of the cloud, and went up on the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Moses goes into the midst of the cloud, and goes up to the mountain, and Moses is on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Young's Literal Translation and Moses goeth into the midst of the cloud, and goeth up unto the mount, and Moses is on the mount forty days and forty nights. Smith's Literal Translation And Moses will come into the midst of the cloud, and will go up to the mountain: and Moses will be in the mountain forty days and forty nights. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Moses, entering into the midst of the cloud, went up into the mountain: and he was there forty days, and forty nights. Catholic Public Domain Version And Moses, entering into the midst of the cloud, ascended the mountain. And he was there for forty days and forty nights. New American Bible But Moses entered into the midst of the cloud and went up on the mountain. He was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. New Revised Standard Version Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Moses went into the midst of the cloud and went up to the mountain; and Moses was in the mountain forty days and forty nights. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Moshe entered within the cloud and he came up to the mountain and Moshe was in the mountain forty days and forty nights. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and went up into the mount; and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and went up to the mountain, and was there in the mountain forty days and forty nights. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Moses on the Mountain…17And the sight of the glory of the LORD was like a consuming fire on the mountaintop in the eyes of the Israelites. 18Moses entered the cloud as he went up on the mountain, and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights. Cross References Exodus 34:28 So Moses was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights without eating bread or drinking water. He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant—the Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy 9:9 When I went up on the mountain to receive the tablets of stone, the tablets of the covenant that the LORD made with you, I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights. I ate no bread and drank no water. Deuteronomy 9:18 Then I fell down before the LORD for forty days and forty nights, as I had done the first time. I did not eat bread or drink water because of all the sin you had committed in doing what was evil in the sight of the LORD and provoking Him to anger. 1 Kings 19:8 So he got up and ate and drank. And strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. Matthew 4:2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. Luke 4:2 where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. Acts 7:38 He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. And he received living words to pass on to us. Hebrews 9:18-20 That is why even the first covenant was not put into effect without blood. / For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people, / saying, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” Hebrews 12:18-21 For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm; / to a trumpet blast or to a voice that made its hearers beg that no further word be spoken. / For they could not bear what was commanded: “If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.” ... 2 Corinthians 3:7-11 Now if the ministry of death, which was engraved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at the face of Moses because of its fleeting glory, / will not the ministry of the Spirit be even more glorious? / For if the ministry of condemnation was glorious, how much more glorious is the ministry of righteousness! ... Revelation 11:19 Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and a great hailstorm. Exodus 19:20 The LORD descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the summit. So Moses went up, Exodus 33:11 Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young assistant Joshua son of Nun would not leave the tent. Numbers 12:8 I speak with him face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the LORD. Why then were you unafraid to speak against My servant Moses?” Psalm 99:7 He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud; they kept His decrees and the statutes He gave them. Treasury of Scripture And Moses went into the middle of the cloud, and got him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. went into Exodus 24:17 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. Exodus 9:29,33 And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S… Exodus 19:20 And the LORD came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the LORD called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up. forty days Exodus 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. Deuteronomy 9:9,18,25 When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water: … Deuteronomy 10:10 And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee. Jump to Previous Ascended Cloud Entered Forty Gat Midst Moses Mount Mountain NightsJump to Next Ascended Cloud Entered Forty Gat Midst Moses Mount Mountain NightsExodus 24 1. Moses is called up into the mountain3. The people promise obedience 4. Moses builds an altar, and twelve pillars. 6. He sprinkles the blood of the covenant 9. The glory of God appears 14. Aaron and Hur have the charge of the people 15. Moses goes into the mountain, where he continues forty days and forty nights. Moses entered the cloud This phrase signifies a divine encounter, as the cloud represents God's presence. In biblical context, clouds often symbolize God's glory and majesty (Exodus 13:21-22, 1 Kings 8:10-11). The cloud on Mount Sinai is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humans. This event parallels the transfiguration of Jesus in the New Testament, where a cloud also signifies God's presence (Matthew 17:5). as he went up on the mountain and he remained on the mountain forty days and forty nights Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe central figure in this passage, Moses is the leader of the Israelites and God's chosen prophet. He enters the cloud on Mount Sinai to receive the Law from God. 2. The Cloud Represents the divine presence of God. In the Old Testament, clouds often symbolize God's glory and presence. 3. The Mountain (Mount Sinai) A significant location where God reveals Himself and His commandments to Moses. It is a place of divine encounter and covenant. 4. Forty Days and Forty Nights A period of time that signifies completeness and preparation. It is a recurring biblical motif for times of testing and revelation. 5. The Israelites The people of God who are waiting at the base of the mountain. They are the recipients of the Law that Moses will bring down. Teaching Points Divine Encounter Requires PreparationMoses' time on the mountain was a period of preparation to receive God's Law. We should prepare our hearts to encounter God through prayer and study. The Significance of God's Presence The cloud symbolizes God's presence. We should seek to dwell in God's presence daily, understanding that it is transformative and holy. Patience in God's Timing The forty days and nights teach us about waiting on God's timing. We must trust in His perfect plan and timing for our lives. The Role of a Mediator Moses acts as a mediator between God and the Israelites. This foreshadows Christ as our ultimate mediator, bridging the gap between humanity and God. The Importance of Obedience Moses' ascent to the mountain was in obedience to God's command. Our obedience to God's Word is crucial in our walk with Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Exodus 24:18?2. How does Moses' 40-day fast on the mountain inspire personal spiritual discipline? 3. What significance does Moses' time on the mountain hold for understanding God's holiness? 4. How does Exodus 24:18 connect to Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness? 5. What can we learn about patience and waiting on God from Moses' example? 6. How does Moses' encounter with God encourage deeper commitment to personal prayer time? 7. Why did Moses stay on the mountain for forty days and forty nights in Exodus 24:18? 8. What is the significance of the cloud covering the mountain in Exodus 24:18? 9. How does Exodus 24:18 relate to the concept of divine revelation? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 24? 11. How could Moses remain on the mountain for forty days and nights without food or water (Exodus 24:18)? 12. How do we reflect during the 40 days of Lent? 13. What is the significance of Day 31 in the journey? 14. What is the Manifest Presence of God? What Does Exodus 24:18 Mean Moses entered the cloud- Scripture paints a literal scene: “Moses entered the cloud” (Exodus 24:18). This is the same visible manifestation of God’s glory that had hovered over Sinai earlier (Exodus 19:9, 16; Exodus 24:15–16). - The cloud doesn’t hide God from Moses; it draws Moses into deeper fellowship. God later says He speaks with Moses “face to face, as a man speaks with his friend” (Exodus 33:11). - Similar glory-cloud moments echo throughout Scripture—at the dedication of the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34–35), the temple (1 Kings 8:10–11), and even the Mount of Transfiguration where “a bright cloud overshadowed them” (Matthew 17:5). Each instance signals God’s nearness and holiness. as he went up on the mountain - Climbing Sinai separates Moses from the noise of the camp below, creating sacred space for revelation. Earlier, God had commanded, “Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there” (Exodus 24:12). - Mountains often mark pivotal divine encounters—think of Abraham on Moriah (Genesis 22:14), Elijah on Horeb (1 Kings 19:8–13), and later Jesus teaching from a mount (Matthew 5:1). - The upward movement reminds us that revelation comes from God’s initiative; Moses simply responds in obedience. and he remained on the mountain - Moses doesn’t rush the moment; he “remained.” Deuteronomy 9:9 recalls, “I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water.” - While he lingers, God gives the stone tablets, instructions for the tabernacle, and the pattern for worship (Exodus 25–31). Israel’s covenant life will flow from this extended meeting. - The stillness contrasts with Israel’s impatience below, which produces the golden calf (Exodus 32:1–6). Waiting in God’s presence guards against worldly restlessness. forty days and forty nights - The phrase is literal and purposeful. Throughout Scripture forty marks testing, preparation, or judgment: • Rain fell “forty days and forty nights” in Noah’s day (Genesis 7:12). • Israel’s spies explored Canaan forty days (Numbers 13:25). • Elijah journeyed forty days to Horeb (1 Kings 19:8). • Jesus fasted forty days before His public ministry (Matthew 4:2). - For Moses, forty days equips him to lead a newly redeemed people into covenant obedience. summary Exodus 24:18 records a real event where Moses steps into God’s glory-cloud, ascends Sinai, abides there, and receives divine instruction for forty days and nights. Each detail—cloud, mountain, lingering, and the forty-day span—highlights God’s invitation, holiness, and purposeful preparation of His servant. The verse urges believers today to seek God’s presence, embrace patient obedience, and trust that time with Him shapes everything that follows. (18) Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights.--During the whole of this time he took no food (Deuteronomy 9:9). Comp. The fast of Elijah (1Kings 19:8), and that of our blessed Lord (Matthew 3:2). Modern imitations are in all probability impostures.Verse 18. - And Moses went into the midst of the cloud. Quitting Joshua, Moses at last, in obedience to the call out of the midst of the cloud, entered within its shadow and disappeared from human vision In this abnormal condition, alone with God, he continued for thirty-four days, making, together with the six days before he entered the cloud, the forty days and forty nights of the text before us. It is noted in Deuteronomy 9:9, that during the whole of this time he was without food. Compare Elijah's fast (1 Kings 19:8), and our blessed Lord's (Matthew 3:2). |