Signed and Sealed

Exodus 24

This chapter brings the climax to a series of events establishing the covenant between God and Israel. It began in chapter 19, with the people saying they would do everything the Lord commanded. They echo that commitment here, twice. The statement comes with Moses reiterating the commands that have been given, and writing them out. The people need fully to understand what they are committing to.

The covenant is sealed in blood, sprinkled both on the altar and on the people. This would seem to signify both binding to God and the binding of the people together as they are bound to God. When we commit to a community of faith we commit not only to God but to those others who are joined to him.

Along with this Moses, Aaron and Aaron’s sons “saw the God of Israel” (verse 10), but did not die from seeing God (verse 11). It sounds like they saw him from below the clear ‘pavement’ of the sapphire on which he stood (verse 10).

The chapter concludes with a description of Moses’ ascent and stay on the mountain, which sets the stage for instructions concerning the tabernacle (chapter 25).

Prayer:
God of ages and now, can I begin to comprehend your beauty and power? Could I withstand a glimpse of you in your glory? Am I sold-out committed to doing whatever you command? Am I wholly bound in your Spirit to those others you love? Thank you for the privilege of daily renewal and growth in all these things. In Christ. Amen.