Exodus 24:11

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 24:11

He laid not his hand - i. e. He did not strike them. It was believed that a mortal could not survive the sight of God Exodus 33:20; Genesis 32:30; Judges 6:22; Judges 13:22 : but these rulers of Israel were permitted to eat and drink, while they were enjoying in an extraordinary degree the sense of the divine presence, and received no harm. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Exodus 24:11

Exodus 24:11. Upon the nobles Or elders; of Israel he laid not his hand Though they were men, the splendour of his glory did not overwhelm them, but it was so moderated, (Job 36:9,) and they were so strengthened, (Daniel 10:19,) that they were able to bear it: nay, though they were sinful men, and obnoxious to God’s justice, yet he did not lay his avenging hand upon them, as they feared he would. When we consider what a consuming fire God is, and what stubble we are before... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Exodus 24:1-18

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

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Exodus 24:11

He laid not His hand = put not forth His hand [in vengeance]. Compare Exodus 3:20 ; Exodus 33:22 . eat and drink . Figure of speech Metonymy (of Adjunct), App-6 , put for living, i.e. though they were favoured with this vision, they yet lived. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Exodus 24:11

"And upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand: and they believed God and did eat and drink.""Upon the nobles ..." This indicates the character of the "seventy," who were evidently chosen by Moses for qualities of character, leadership, and ability."He laid not his hand ..." That is, God did not cause the men to die who had experienced so remarkable a glimpse of God's glory. There was a widespread conviction among the ancients that anyone who beheld God's face would die at... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Exodus 24:11

11. upon the nobles of the children of Israel he laid not his hand—The "nobles," that is, the elders, after the sprinkling of the blood, were not inspired with terror in presence of the calm, benign, radiant symbol of the divine majesty; so different from the terrific exhibitions at the giving of the law. The report of so many competent witnesses would tend to confirm the people's faith in the divine mission of Moses. eat and drink—feasted on the peace offering—on the remnants of the late... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Exodus 24:1-11

5. The ratification of the Covenant 24:1-11"The great event in chapter 24 is the climax of the Book of Exodus." [Note: Ramm, p. 139.] read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Exodus 24:9-11

The ratification ceremony concluded with a meal (Exodus 24:9-11), not a picnic lunch but a sacrificial meal (Exodus 24:5)."’They ate and drank’ describes a covenant meal celebrating the sealing of the covenant described in Exodus 24:3-8." [Note: Ibid., p. 450.] We must understand the statement that the leaders of Israel saw God (Exodus 24:10) in the light of other passages (Exodus 33:20-23; Isaiah 6:1; John 1:18). Perhaps they only saw His feet or, more exactly, a representation of part of God... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 24:1-18

The Ratification of the Covenant1. And he said] The first two vv. of this chapter are a continuation of the narrative from Exodus 20:21, which was interrupted by the insertion of the Book of the Covenant, originally a separate document. chapter Exodus 23:33 is continued in Exodus 24:3. Nadab, and Abihu] the two oldest sons of Aaron: see Exodus 6:23. Seventy of the elders] a selection from the heads of the tribes and families: see on Exodus 3:16. 3. And Moses came and told the people] after he... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Exodus 24:11

(11) The nobles.—The word used is an unusual one, but seems to designate the “elders” of Exodus 24:1; Exodus 24:9. It implies nobility of birth.He laid not his hand—i.e., He in nowise hurt or injured them. The belief was general that a man could not see God and live (Genesis 32:30; Exodus 32:20; Judges 6:22-23, &c.). In one sense it was true—“No man hath seen the Father.” But the Son could reveal Himself under the Old Dispensation, as under the New, and not even cause terror by His... read more

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