How does Exodus 24:14 encourage us to trust God's appointed leaders?

Setting the Scene

• Exodus 24 finds Israel gathered at Sinai, having just affirmed, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.”

• Moses is about to ascend the mountain to receive the tablets of the covenant.

• Before he goes, he addresses the elders:

“Wait here for us until we return to you. Aaron and Hur are with you; if anyone has a dispute, let him approach them.” (Exodus 24:14)

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Key Observations from the Verse

• “Wait here” – Moses expects the people to remain under orderly leadership while he is gone.

• “Aaron and Hur are with you” – two men already known and proven (Exodus 17:10-13).

• “Let him approach them” – any dispute is to be resolved through these appointed leaders, not by personal preference or chaos.

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Why This Encourages Us to Trust God’s Appointed Leaders

• Divine delegation

– Moses, God’s chosen mediator, publicly designates Aaron and Hur; their authority comes from God’s own representative.

– Romans 13:1-2 affirms that “there is no authority except from God.”

• Clear accountability

– The phrase “until we return” links Aaron and Hur’s oversight to Moses’ ultimate accountability before the LORD; leaders answer to God.

– Hebrews 13:17 notes that leaders “will give an account.”

• Provision for continuity

– God does not abandon His people; He ensures leadership presence even when the primary leader is away (cf. Joshua 1:16-18 when Moses is gone for good).

• Tested character

– Aaron and Hur had already upheld Moses’ arms in battle (Exodus 17); credibility is built on past faithfulness.

• Order over confusion

– Disputes are routed through appointed men, preventing division. 1 Corinthians 14:33 reminds us, “God is not a God of disorder but of peace.”

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Practical Takeaways Today

• Recognize and honor the leaders God raises—pastors, elders, teachers (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

• Bring concerns to them rather than fostering grumbling or division.

• Trust that God protects His flock through biblical authority structures (Ephesians 4:11-13).

• Support leaders in prayer and practical help, remembering Aaron and Hur’s earlier role of literally holding up Moses’ hands (Galatians 6:6).

• Measure all leadership by Scripture, but when leaders are faithful, following them is an act of obedience to God Himself (Hebrews 13:17; Acts 20:28).