Moses
went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. Yahweh’s glory settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. The seventh day he called to Moses out of the middle of the cloud.
Exodus 24:15-16
Exodus 24 [12.] Yahweh said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and stay here, and I will give you the stone tablets with the law and the commands that I have written, that you may teach them.”
Exodus 24 [13.] Moses rose up with Joshua, his servant, and Moses went up onto God’s Mountain. He said to the elders, “Wait here for us, until we come again to you. Behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever is involved in a dispute can go to them.”
Exodus 24 [15.] Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. Yahweh’s glory settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. The seventh day he called to Moses out of the middle of the cloud. The appearance of Yahweh’s glory was like devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel. Moses entered into the middle of the cloud, and went up on the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.
Exodus 25 [1.] Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, that they take an offering for me. From everyone whose heart makes him willing you shall take my offering.
Meaning:
These verses are a pivotal moment in the relationship between God and Israel. In the larger context of Exodus 24, God is making a covenant with the Israelites. Moses, as the chosen mediator between God and His people, ascends Mount Sinai to receive the law and commandments from God, which will govern the life of the Israelites and solidify their identity as God’s chosen people. The description of God’s glory and Moses’ ascent into the cloud highlights both the majesty and mystery of God, as well as the seriousness of this covenant relationship.
- The Glory of God on Mount Sinai
The idea of God’s glory—His manifest presence—is central to these verses. When Moses goes up the mountain, the "glory of Yahweh" is said to settle on Mount Sinai. This is no ordinary event. The term "glory" in Hebrew is kavod, which carries the connotation of weightiness or heaviness, implying that God’s presence is not something light or trivial. It is awe-inspiring, powerful, and tangible.
Throughout Scripture, God’s glory is often associated with light, clouds, and fire, representing both His holiness and His unapproachable majesty. The cloud that covers the mountain in this passage is a recurring image of God’s presence. We see this earlier in Exodus when God leads the Israelites through the wilderness in a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night (Exodus 13:21). The cloud both reveals and conceals God’s presence—revealing His nearness while also concealing the fullness of His glory, which is too much for humans to behold directly.
The cloud resting on Mount Sinai for six days is significant. It conveys the idea that God’s presence is not momentary but abiding. He is with His people in a sustained way. However, the fact that Moses has to wait six days before God speaks to him on the seventh day suggests something about the holiness and patience required to encounter God. Moses, even as God’s chosen leader, cannot rush into God’s presence. He must wait on God’s timing.
- Moses as the Mediator
Moses’ role as the mediator between God and Israel is emphasized in these verses. He alone is called to ascend the mountain into the cloud of God’s glory. While the people remain at the base of the mountain, Moses enters into the cloud, symbolizing his unique position as the one who can approach God on their behalf.
This scene foreshadows the role of Jesus as our ultimate mediator. In 1 Timothy 2:5, Paul writes, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Just as Moses ascended the mountain to intercede for the people and bring down God’s word, Jesus ascended to the cross and later into heaven to make a way for us to come to God. Moses' role in this moment is a shadow of the greater mediation that Christ provides for all humanity.
- The Significance of the Seventh Day
The seventh day has great significance throughout Scripture. It is the day of rest, as God rested on the seventh day after creating the world (Genesis 2:2-3). In the case of Moses on Mount Sinai, God waits until the seventh day to call him out of the cloud. This aligns with the theme of completion and fulfillment that the number seven often represents in the Bible. It was after six days of preparation and waiting that Moses was ready to receive God’s law.
This pattern of waiting on the seventh day also reflects the rhythm of Sabbath rest that God established for His people. The Sabbath is not just a day of physical rest but also a time to encounter and focus on God’s presence. In this instance, Moses’ waiting culminates in a deep and personal encounter with God, which mirrors how the Sabbath can be a time of spiritual renewal for us as well.
For us today, the importance of waiting on God and being patient in His presence is a powerful takeaway. Just as Moses had to wait for six days before hearing from God, we too may experience times of waiting before we receive clarity or direction from the Lord. Yet, this waiting is not wasted. It is often in the waiting that God prepares our hearts to hear Him more clearly.
- God’s Covenant with Israel
This passage takes place within the larger context of God making a covenant with Israel. Moses is on the mountain to receive the law, which will become the foundation of Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people. This covenant is not just a set of rules; it is a relationship. God is binding Himself to His people, and they are called to respond in obedience and worship.
God’s covenant with Israel is a reminder that He desires to be in relationship with His people. He is not a distant or uncaring deity. He comes down in glory to meet with Moses, and through Moses, He makes His will known to all of Israel. This is a pattern we see throughout the Bible—God taking the initiative to reach out to humanity, whether through covenants, prophets, or ultimately through Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of all covenants.
In our lives, we are also invited into a covenant relationship with God through Jesus. Hebrews 9:15 tells us that Christ is "the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance." Just as God’s presence came down on Mount Sinai to make a covenant with Israel, His presence has come to us in Christ, inviting us into a new and eternal relationship with Him.
Application for Our Lives
Reverence for God’s Presence: The image of God’s glory settling on Mount Sinai reminds us of the holiness and majesty of God. We should approach Him with reverence and awe, recognizing that He is not to be treated lightly. In our worship and prayer, we can cultivate a sense of awe for who God is and what He has done.
Patience in God’s Timing: Moses had to wait six days before God called to him. Sometimes, we too must wait in God’s presence before we receive the answers, direction, or revelation we seek. This passage encourages us to trust in God’s timing and be patient in our relationship with Him.
Jesus as Our Mediator: Moses’ role as mediator points us to Jesus, who is our ultimate mediator. Through Christ, we have direct access to God. We no longer need to rely on human intermediaries to approach God; Jesus has made a way for us to come boldly before God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
The Importance of Covenant: God’s interaction with Moses on Mount Sinai was part of establishing His covenant with Israel. For us, this points to the importance of our covenant relationship with God through Christ. We are called to live in faithful obedience to Him, just as the Israelites were called to live according to God’s law.
Conclusion: Exodus 24:15-16 is a profound moment of divine encounter, where God’s glory is revealed on Mount Sinai, and Moses steps into his role as mediator between God and His people. These verses remind us of the holiness of God, the importance of patience in our spiritual journey, and the beauty of being in a covenant relationship with the Creator of the universe. Through Jesus, we too can enter into God’s presence and experience His glory, not in fear, but in the confidence that comes from knowing we are His children.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible