What is the meaning of Exodus 24:4? And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. “ And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD ” (Exodus 24:4a). • This simple sentence underscores that God’s revelation was not left to fading memory. • Moses, the human mediator, faithfully recorded every word—reflecting the conviction that Scripture is God-breathed and historically reliable (see Exodus 34:27; Deuteronomy 31:9, 24; 2 Peter 1:20-21). • By writing, Moses created a permanent covenant document for Israel, just as later kings were told to make personal copies of the law (Deuteronomy 17:18-19). • Since the Lord’s words were now inscribed, the people could read, teach, and obey them (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 19:7-11). • The pattern continues throughout Scripture: prophets (Jeremiah 30:2), apostles (Revelation 1:11), and ultimately the whole canon bear witness in writing so that believers “may know the certainty of the things” (Luke 1:4). Early the next morning he got up “Moses rose early in the morning” (Exodus 24:4b). • Prompt obedience marks genuine faith. Moses did not delay; he acted at first light, echoing Abraham’s diligence in Genesis 22:3 and the Savior’s own early-morning communion in Mark 1:35. • Rising early signals eagerness to fulfill God’s commands (Psalm 119:60). • Practical takeaway: wholehearted disciples respond swiftly, not reluctantly, to revealed truth (James 1:22-25). He built an altar at the base of the mountain “He built an altar at the foot of the mountain” (Exodus 24:4c). • The altar provided a meeting point between a holy God and a redeemed people, foreshadowing the final sacrifice of Christ (Hebrews 9:22, 26-28). • Located “at the foot” of Sinai, it linked the heavenly voice on the summit (Exodus 19:20) with the camp below, stressing mediation. • God had already instructed Israel on simple earthen altars (Exodus 20:24-26); Moses follows that pattern, demonstrating that worship is shaped by divine prescription, not human creativity. • Blood from ensuing sacrifices would seal the covenant (Exodus 24:5-8), confirming that peace with God rests on substitutionary atonement (Leviticus 17:11). Along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel “ …along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel” (Exodus 24:4d). • The twelve stone pillars symbolized the entire nation, each tribe having an equal stake in the covenant (Genesis 49:28; Revelation 21:12). • Similar memorials appear at Bethel (Genesis 28:18), Gilgal (Joshua 4:3-9), and elsewhere, serving as tangible reminders of God’s acts and Israel’s responsibilities. • Pillars stood beside the altar, linking corporate identity with worship: the people themselves were to be a “kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9). • The arrangement teaches unity in diversity—many tribes, one covenant—and anticipates the church, “living stones” built into a spiritual house (1 Peter 2:5). summary Exodus 24:4 shows the covenant being documented, embraced, and memorialized. Moses records God’s words so they cannot be lost, rises early to obey without hesitation, constructs an altar to mediate fellowship through sacrifice, and erects twelve pillars to involve every tribe. The verse therefore models trust in the written Word, swift obedience, blood-bought worship, and collective identity under God’s unchanging covenant. |
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