What does "they beheld God" reveal about God's relationship with His people? Setting the scene: Exodus 24:10-11 “and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement of sapphire as clear as the sky itself. Yet He did not lay His hand on the nobles of Israel; they beheld God, and they ate and drank.” Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy elders have just ratified the covenant with sacrifices and blood. Immediately after, the Lord allows these representatives to ascend partway up Sinai and grants them a visible, tangible encounter with Himself. The phrase explained: “they beheld God” • The Hebrew verb means to gaze steadily, not a fleeting glance. • Scripture records no illusion or metaphor here; the nobles literally saw a manifestation of the true God. • The sapphire-like pavement under His feet underscores glory and transcendence, yet His presence is near enough to be seen. • They remain alive because God withholds His hand, demonstrating sovereign restraint and covenant mercy. What this reveals about God’s relationship with His people • Revelation: God willingly makes Himself known. He does not remain distant once covenant blood is shed. • Grace and protection: Although no one can see God in His full essence and live (Exodus 33:20), He shields the nobles so relationship is preserved rather than terminated. • Covenant fellowship: Eating and drinking in His presence picture shared life, signaling that communion with Him is central to covenant life (cf. Revelation 3:20). • Holiness mingled with accessibility: The sapphire pavement highlights holiness; the shared meal highlights accessibility. Both truths meet in covenant grace. • Foreshadowing of fuller revelation: This encounter anticipates the incarnate Word. “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We have seen His glory” (John 1:14). • Affirmation of corporate privilege: Leaders see first, pledging that the whole nation will one day enjoy open access (Hebrews 10:19-22). Supporting Scriptures • 1 John 1:1-3 – tangible, eyewitness fellowship continues in Christ. • Hebrews 10:19-22 – bold entrance into the Holy Place through the blood of Jesus. • Revelation 21:3 – “the dwelling place of God is with man.” • Revelation 22:3-4 – servants will see His face. • 1 John 3:2 – believers will see Him as He is. Walking in the light of the vision • Covenant believers today are called to live with confidence, knowing God delights to reveal Himself. • Sustained, reverent fellowship—symbolized by the nobles’ meal—remains available through Christ’s finished work. • Anticipation grows for the ultimate fulfillment: unobstructed sight of God in the new heavens and new earth, promised and secured for every redeemed child. |
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