Meanwhile, to those below in the plain, "the glory of the Lord" on the summit above them, was like devouring fire on the top of the mount . They had but to lift their eyes thither, and they saw his wonderful glory—showing like a huge fire—on the spot from which he had spoken to them ( Exodus 20:18 ). This manifestation continued certainly for the first six days; whether it lasted longer or not is open to question. read more
Exodus 24:16. A cloud covered the mount six days A visible token of God’s special presence there, for he so shows himself to us, as at the same time to conceal himself from us; he lets us know so much as to assure us of his power and grace, but intimates to us that we cannot find him out to perfection. During these six days Moses stayed waiting upon the mountain, for a call into the presence-chamber. And on the seventh day Probably the sabbath day; he called unto Moses Now the... read more
The covenant sealed (24:1-18)When Moses recounted the covenant demands to them, the people once more declared their willingness to obey (cf. 19:8). In ancient times covenants were usually sealed by blood (see notes on Genesis 15:7-21), and at Sinai too God and his people were joined in a blood ritual. Half of the blood was thrown against the altar (representing God) and half was sprinkled on the people. This blood ritual, though having its usual significance in covenant ceremonies, may have had... read more
six days . See App-50 . read more
"And Moses went up into the mount, and the cloud covered the mount. And the glory of Jehovah shone upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the cloud.""The cloud ..." The significance of that cloud is that, "It represents God's presence. Nevertheless, it is not to be wholly identified with him. It is intended to affirm that his presence was with Israel, without lessening the idea of his divine majesty and heavenly sovereignty.[19]The... read more
"And the appearance of the glory of Jehovah was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. And Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and went up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights."The glorious display on Mount Sinai was visible to all Israel, but Moses declined to give any other description than the few words already written. It is not actually clear whether or not the forty days and forty nights included the six... read more
Exodus 24:16. And the glory of the Lord abode— The glory of the Lord was, as appears from Exodus 24:17 like devouring fire; see Psalms 97:2-3. This was the immediate symbol of the Divine Presence. Besides this, a thick dark cloud enveloped the mountain; which cloud, for six days, covered or concealed from the view of Moses himself, the bright symbol of the Divine glory. On the seventh day God called Moses into the midst of this cloud, and, consequently, to the nearest possible access to the... read more
C. Directions regarding God’s dwelling among His people 24:12-31:18Having given directions clarifying Israel’s obedience in the Book of the Covenant (Exodus 20:22 to Exodus 23:33), God now summoned Moses up into the mountain again to receive His directions regarding Israel’s worship. The Book of the Covenant specified how the Israelites were to live with one another, but the tabernacle showed them how God wanted them to worship Him. [Note: Cf. Davis, p. 192.] "The establishment of a covenant... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 24:16
Now occurred a remarkable pause. The summons had been given to Moses, and he had obeyed it. He was there on the platform a little below the summit, ready, but waiting for a further call. The call was not made for six days. A holy calm reigned upon Sinai—the cloud rested upon the summit, and in the cloud was the glory of the Lord . Moses and Joshua waited near—but for six days there was no sign. God thus taught Moses, and through him the world, that near approach to him requires long and... read more