Exodus 24:4
New International Version
Moses then wrote down everything the LORD had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

New Living Translation
Then Moses carefully wrote down all the LORD’s instructions. Early the next morning Moses got up and built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He also set up twelve pillars, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

English Standard Version
And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. 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.

Berean Standard Bible
And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.

New American Standard Bible
And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Then he got up early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve memorial stones for the twelve tribes of Israel.

NASB 1995
Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Then he arose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

NASB 1977
And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Then he arose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Legacy Standard Bible
And Moses wrote down all the words of Yahweh. Then he arose early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Amplified Bible
Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Then he got up early in the morning, and built an altar [for worship] at the foot of the mountain with twelve pillars (memorial stones) representing the twelve tribes of Israel.

Christian Standard Bible
And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He rose early the next morning and set up an altar and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel at the base of the mountain.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He rose early the next morning and set up an altar and 12 pillars for the 12 tribes of Israel at the base of the mountain.

American Standard Version
And Moses wrote all the words of Jehovah, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the mount, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
Then Moses wrote down what the LORD had said. The next morning Moses got up early. He built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up a large stone for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

English Revised Version
And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the mount, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Moses wrote down all the LORD's words. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain and [set up] 12 sacred stones for the 12 tribes of Israel.

Good News Translation
Moses wrote down all the LORD's commands. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stones, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

International Standard Version
So Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He got up early in the morning and built an altar with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel at the base of the mountain.

Majority Standard Bible
And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

NET Bible
and Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early in the morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain and arranged twelve standing stones--according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

New Heart English Bible
Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the mountain, and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose early in the morning, and built an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

World English Bible
Moses wrote all Yahweh’s words, then rose up early in the morning and built an altar at the base of the mountain, with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Moses writes all the words of YHWH, and rises early in the morning, and builds an altar under the hill, and twelve standing pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel;

Young's Literal Translation
And Moses writeth all the words of Jehovah, and riseth early in the morning, and buildeth an altar under the hill, and twelve standing pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel;

Smith's Literal Translation
And Moses will write all the words of Jehovah, and he will rise early in the morning, and will build an altar under the mountain, and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord: and rising in the morning he built an altar at the foot of the mount, and twelve titles according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. And rising up in the morning, he built an altar at the base of the mountain, with twelve titles according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

New American Bible
Moses then wrote down all the words of the LORD and, rising early in the morning, he built at the foot of the mountain an altar and twelve sacred stones for the twelve tribes of Israel.

New Revised Standard Version
And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. He rose early in the morning, and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and set up twelve pillars, corresponding to the twelve tribes of Israel.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Moshe wrote all of the statements of LORD JEHOVAH, and he arose at dawn and built an altar on the outskirts of the mountain and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the mount, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the mountain, and set up twelve stones for the twelve tribes of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Covenant Sealed
3When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” 4And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. 5Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD.…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 31:9
So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests, the sons of Levi, who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and to all the elders of Israel.

Joshua 8:32
And there in the presence of the Israelites, Joshua inscribed on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.

2 Kings 23:3
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.

Nehemiah 9:38
In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.”

Nehemiah 10:29
hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.

2 Chronicles 34:31
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book.

Deuteronomy 27:2-3
And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. / Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you.

Deuteronomy 27:8
And you shall write distinctly upon these stones all the words of this law.”

Jeremiah 31:33
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the LORD. I will put My law in their minds and inscribe it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Hebrews 9:19
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,

Matthew 26:28
This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Hebrews 8:10
For this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people.

Hebrews 10:16
“This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their hearts and inscribe them on their minds.”

Luke 22:20
In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.

1 Corinthians 11:25
In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”


Treasury of Scripture

And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.

wrote

Deuteronomy 31:9
And Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel.

Joshua 24:26
And Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God, and took a great stone, and set it up there under an oak, that was by the sanctuary of the LORD.

and builded

Exodus 20:24-26
An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee…

twelve pillars

Genesis 28:18,22
And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it…

Genesis 31:45
And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

Joshua 24:27
And Joshua said unto all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness unto us; for it hath heard all the words of the LORD which he spake unto us: it shall be therefore a witness unto you, lest ye deny your God.

according

Exodus 28:21
And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet; every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve tribes.

Leviticus 24:5
And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

Numbers 17:2
Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every one of them a rod according to the house of their fathers, of all their princes according to the house of their fathers twelve rods: write thou every man's name upon his rod.

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Altar Builded Buildeth Built Early Foot Hill Israel Morning Moses Mount Mountain Pillars Riseth Rose Tribes Twelve Words Writeth Writing Wrote
Exodus 24
1. Moses is called up into the mountain
3. 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.














And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD
The act of writing signifies the importance and permanence of God's words. In Hebrew, the word for "wrote" is "כָּתַב" (katav), which implies a deliberate and careful recording. This action by Moses underscores the sacredness of the covenant and the necessity of preserving divine instructions for future generations. It reflects the early practice of documenting God's revelations, which would later form the foundation of the Torah. The phrase emphasizes the role of Moses as a mediator and scribe, faithfully transmitting God's commandments to the people.

He got up early the next morning
This phrase highlights Moses' eagerness and dedication to fulfilling God's commands. Rising early is often associated with diligence and a heart committed to obedience. In the Hebrew context, early rising is a sign of readiness and zeal for the tasks God has set before him. It reflects a disciplined spiritual life, where Moses prioritizes God's work above all else, setting an example for the Israelites and for believers today.

and built an altar at the base of the mountain
The construction of an altar is a significant act of worship and consecration. In ancient times, altars were central to religious life, serving as places where sacrifices were offered to God. The Hebrew word for altar, "מִזְבֵּחַ" (mizbeach), is derived from a root meaning "to sacrifice." Building the altar at the mountain's base signifies the establishment of a sacred space where heaven and earth meet, symbolizing God's presence among His people. It is a physical manifestation of the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

along with twelve pillars
The twelve pillars represent the twelve tribes of Israel, signifying unity and collective identity. In Hebrew, the word for pillar is "מַצֵּבָה" (matzevah), which can also mean a standing stone or monument. These pillars serve as a tangible reminder of the covenant and the shared responsibility of the tribes to uphold God's laws. They symbolize the nation's foundation on divine promises and the communal aspect of their faith journey.

for the twelve tribes of Israel
This phrase emphasizes the inclusivity and comprehensive nature of God's covenant. Each tribe is individually recognized, highlighting the personal and communal aspects of the relationship with God. The number twelve is significant in biblical numerology, often representing completeness and divine order. By acknowledging each tribe, the text underscores the unity and diversity within the nation, reminding believers of the importance of community and shared faith in their walk with God.

(4) Moses wrote.--Comp. Exodus 17:14. The familiarity of Moses with writing is throughout presumed in the Pentateuch. One "learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians" under the nineteenth dynasty could not well be ignorant of this ordinary Egyptian accomplishment.

Under the hill.--Heb., the mountain. The Ras Sufsafeh is intended.

Twelve pillars.--As the altar symbolised and indicated the presence of Jehovah, one party to the Covenant, so the twelve pillars--probably long stones set up on end (Genesis 28:18)--symbolised the presence of the twelve tribes, the other party. (For another instance of the employment of such symbolism see Joshua 4:3; Joshua 4:9; Joshua 4:20.) . . .

Verse 4. - Moses wrote all the words of the Lord. We may presume that they were miraculously brought to his remembrance by that Spirit of Truth which guided all the Prophets (2 Peter 1:21; John 14:26). Having written the words, he waited till the next day, and then rose up early and builded an altar, in preparation for the sacrifice without which no covenant was regarded as binding. And twelve pillars. Symbolical of the twelve tribes. Compare Joshua 4:3, 9, 20.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Moses
מֹשֶׁ֗ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

wrote down
וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב (way·yiḵ·tōḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the words
דִּבְרֵ֣י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD.
יְהוָ֔ה (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

{Early} the next morning
בַּבֹּ֔קֶר (bab·bō·qer)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

he got up
וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם (way·yaš·kêm)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7925: To load up, to start early in the morning

and built
וַיִּ֥בֶן (way·yi·ḇen)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

an altar
מִזְבֵּ֖חַ (miz·bê·aḥ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196: An altar

at the base of
תַּ֣חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

the mountain,
הָהָ֑ר (hā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2022: Mountain, hill, hill country

along with twelve
וּשְׁתֵּ֤ים (ū·šə·têm)
Conjunctive waw | Number - fd
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

pillars
מַצֵּבָ֔ה (maṣ·ṣê·ḇāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4676: Something stationed, a column, an idol

for the twelve
לִשְׁנֵ֥ים (liš·nêm)
Preposition-l | Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

tribes
שִׁבְטֵ֥י (šiḇ·ṭê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of Israel.
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc


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OT Law: Exodus 24:4 Moses wrote all the words of Yahweh (Exo. Ex)
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