What is the meaning of Exodus 24:8? So Moses took the blood Moses has already collected half the blood from the sacrificial oxen and placed it in basins (Exodus 24:6). • Blood signifies life (Leviticus 17:11) and, when shed, represents life offered in substitution. • Taking the blood shows Moses acting as mediator, foreshadowing the perfect Mediator who would also offer blood on behalf of the people (Hebrews 9:15). • The action follows God’s explicit instructions, underscoring that covenant fellowship with God is always on His terms (Hebrews 8:5). Sprinkled it on the people Moses first sprinkled the altar (Exodus 24:6), symbolizing God’s side of the covenant; now he sprinkles the congregation, binding both parties. • The shared blood links God and His people in a mutual, life-binding agreement. • Sprinkling rather than pouring illustrates cleansing (Hebrews 9:19-22) and protection under atonement (1 Peter 1:2). • The physical act made the covenant unmistakably personal—every Israelite likely felt or saw the droplets, a tangible reminder of the seriousness of obedience. And said Spoken words interpret the ritual. Covenant is never left to guesswork; it is explained so the people understand its meaning (Exodus 24:3-7). • Moses’ declaration matches Jesus’ later pattern: He also interprets His sacrificial act as He institutes the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:27-28). • Words ensure the people cannot claim ignorance; revelation is both act and explanation (Deuteronomy 29:29). “This is the blood of the covenant” The phrase identifies the blood as the formal seal of the agreement. • A covenant is more than a promise; it is a solemn, binding oath (Jeremiah 34:18-19). • The New Covenant in Christ echoes this wording: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood” (Luke 22:20), showing that Exodus 24 prefigures the greater covenant secured by Jesus’ sacrifice (Hebrews 12:24). • The shedding of blood underscores that sin incurs death; covenant blessing demands atonement (Romans 6:23). “That the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” God alone authors the covenant; Israel’s part is to receive and obey. • “All these words” refers to the laws just read aloud—the Ten Commandments and the accompanying ordinances (Exodus 24:7). • Blessing and life now hinge on obedience to the revealed Word (Deuteronomy 30:15-20). • The pattern persists: God’s people remain called to respond to His gracious initiative with wholehearted obedience (John 14:15). summary Exodus 24:8 portrays a solemn, life-binding covenant moment. Moses, acting as mediator, takes sacrificial blood—symbolizing life given—and sprinkles it first on the altar, then on the people, visibly uniting God and Israel. His declaration, “This is the blood of the covenant,” underscores that only through shed blood can sinful people enter fellowship with a holy God. The scene anticipates the ultimate covenant sealed by Christ’s blood, where He fulfills and transcends the Mosaic pattern, offering permanent atonement and calling His people to loving obedience to “all these words.” |
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