Exodus 19:8 - Exposition

And all the people answered together. It would seem that the elders submitted to the whole congregation the question propounded by Moses; or at any rate submitted it to a popular meeting, fairly representing the congregation. No doubt the exact purport of the question was made known by the usual means beforehand, and the assembly was summoned to declare, by acclamation, its assent or dissent. The result was a unanimous shout of approval:—" All that the Lord hath spoken we will do"— i.e; "we will obey his voice indeed, and keep his covenant" (see Exodus 19:5 ). In this way they accepted the covenant beforehand, not knowing what its exact provisions would be, but assured in their hearts that all would be right, just, and good; and anxious to secure the promised blessings ( Exodus 19:5 , Exodus 19:6 ) for themselves and their posterity Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord — i.e; Moses was the mouthpiece both ways. He took the messages of God to the people, and carried back ("returned") their answer.