What is the meaning of Exodus 24:5? Then he sent out some young men of Israel • “He” is Moses, acting under direct command from the LORD (Exodus 24:3-4). • The covenant is being ratified, and service is required immediately; since Aaron’s priestly line has not yet been consecrated (that happens in Exodus 28-29), Moses drafts young men—strong, unblemished representatives of the nation. • Their involvement highlights: – The corporate nature of the covenant (Exodus 19:5-6). – A foreshadowing of Israel’s future priesthood, where service is mediated on behalf of all (Numbers 8:14-19). – Willing obedience that models what God later asks of every believer (Romans 12:1). and they offered burnt offerings • A burnt offering is wholly consumed on the altar; nothing is kept back (Leviticus 1:9). • It pictures complete consecration and atonement: – Noah offered one after the flood (Genesis 8:20) and God “smelled the pleasing aroma.” – Abraham was told to offer Isaac in the same way (Genesis 22:2-13), pointing to substitutionary sacrifice. – In the New Testament, Christ fulfills the burnt offering’s intent by offering Himself “once for all” (Hebrews 10:8-10). • As Israel enters covenant, the burnt offering says, “We belong entirely to You, LORD.” and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD • Peace (or fellowship) offerings celebrate restored relationship; portions are eaten in a shared meal (Leviticus 3; 7:11-21). • Young bulls underscore value and strength—nothing cheap is presented to the King (2 Samuel 24:24). • The blood is about to be sprinkled (Exodus 24:8), sealing the covenant with life itself (Leviticus 17:11). • Peace offerings create: – Thanksgiving for God’s deliverance (Leviticus 7:12-15). – Communion between God and His people, anticipating the meal the elders will share in His presence (Exodus 24:11) and pointing ahead to the Lord’s Table (1 Corinthians 10:16). – A preview of the peace won through Christ, “having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20; Romans 5:1). summary Moses commissions young men to act on Israel’s behalf, showing that covenant obedience involves every generation. The burnt offerings proclaim total surrender and atonement; the peace offerings celebrate restored fellowship and shared joy with God. Together they declare that entering into covenant with the LORD means giving Him everything and receiving His peace in return, truths ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. |
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