mh_parser/vol_split/2 - Exodus/Chapter 24.xml

<div2 id="Ex.xxv" n="xxv" next="Ex.xxvi" prev="Ex.xxiv" progress="43.19%" title="Chapter XXIV">
<h2 id="Ex.xxv-p0.1">E X O D U S</h2>
<h3 id="Ex.xxv-p0.2">CHAP. XXIV.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Ex.xxv-p1">Moses, as mediator between God and Israel, having
received divers laws and ordinances from God privately in the three
foregoing chapters, in this chapter, I. Comes down to the people,
acquaints them with the laws he had received, and takes their
consent to those laws (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.3" parsed="|Exod|24|3|0|0" passage="Ex 24:3">ver.
3</scripRef>), writes the laws, and reads them to the people, who
repeat their consent (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.4-Exod.24.7" parsed="|Exod|24|4|24|7" passage="Ex 24:4-7">ver.
4-7</scripRef>), and then by sacrifice, and the sprinkling of
blood, ratifies the covenant between them and God, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.5-Exod.24.6 Bible:Exod.24.8" parsed="|Exod|24|5|24|6;|Exod|24|8|0|0" passage="Ex 24:5,6,8">ver. 5, 6, 8</scripRef>. II. He returns to
God again, to receive further directions. When he was dismissed
from his former attendance, he was ordered to attend again,
<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.1-Exod.24.2" parsed="|Exod|24|1|24|2" passage="Ex 24:1,2">ver. 1, 2</scripRef>. He did so with
seventy of the elders, to whom God made a discovery of his glory,
<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.9-Exod.24.11" parsed="|Exod|24|9|24|11" passage="Ex 24:9-11">ver. 9-11</scripRef>. Moses is
ordered up into the mount (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.12-Exod.24.13" parsed="|Exod|24|12|24|13" passage="Ex 24:12,13">ver. 12,
13</scripRef>); the rest are ordered down to the people, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.14" parsed="|Exod|24|14|0|0" passage="Ex 24:14">ver. 14</scripRef>. The cloud of glory is seen
by all the people on the top of Mount Sinai (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.15-Exod.24.17" parsed="|Exod|24|15|24|17" passage="Ex 24:15-17">ver. 15-17</scripRef>), and Moses is therewith God
forty days and forty nights, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.18" parsed="|Exod|24|18|0|0" passage="Ex 24:18">ver.
18</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="Ex.xxv-p1.10" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24" parsed="|Exod|24|0|0|0" passage="Ex 24" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xxv-p1.11" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.1-Exod.24.8" parsed="|Exod|24|1|24|8" passage="Ex 24:1-8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.24.1-Exod.24.8">
<h4 id="Ex.xxv-p1.12">Israel's Acceptance of the
Laws. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p1.13">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xxv-p2">1 And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p2.1">Lord</span>, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu,
and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.
  2 And Moses alone shall come near the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p2.2">Lord</span>: but they shall not come nigh; neither
shall the people go up with him.   3 And Moses came and told
the people all the words of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p2.3">Lord</span>, and all the judgments: and all the people
answered with one voice, and said, All the words which the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p2.4">Lord</span> hath said will we do.   4 And
Moses wrote all the words of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p2.5">Lord</span>, and rose up early in the morning, and
builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to
the twelve tribes of Israel.   5 And he sent young men of the
children of Israel, which offered burnt offerings, and sacrificed
peace offerings of oxen unto the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p2.6">Lord</span>.   6 And Moses took half of the blood,
and put <i>it</i> in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on
the altar.   7 And he took the book of the covenant, and read
in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p2.7">Lord</span> hath said will we do, and be
obedient.   8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled
<i>it</i> on the people, and said, Behold the blood of the
covenant, which the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p2.8">Lord</span> hath made
with you concerning all these words.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p3">The first two verses record the appointment
of a second session upon Mount Sinai, for the making of laws, when
an end was put to the first. When a communion is begun between God
and us, it shall never fail on his side, if it do not first fail on
ours. Moses is directed to bring Aaron and his sons, and the
seventy elders of Israel, that they might be witnesses of the glory
of God, and that communion with him to which Moses was admitted;
and that their testimony might confirm the people's faith. In this
approach, 1. They must all be very reverent: <i>Worship you afar
off,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.1" parsed="|Exod|24|1|0|0" passage="Ex 24:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. Before
they came near, they must worship. Thus we must enter into God's
gates with humble and solemn adorations, draw near as those that
know our distance, and admire the condescensions of God's grace in
admitting us to draw near. Are great princes approached with the
profound reverences of the body? And shall not the soul that draws
near to God be bowed before him? 2. They must none of them come so
near as Moses, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.2" parsed="|Exod|24|2|0|0" passage="Ex 24:2"><i>v.</i> 2</scripRef>.
They must come up to the Lord (and those that would approach to God
must <i>ascend</i>), but Moses alone must come near, being therein
a type of Christ, who, as the high priest, entered alone into the
most holy place.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p4">In the following verses, we have the solemn
covenant made between God and Israel, and the exchanging of the
ratifications; and a very solemn transaction it was, typifying the
covenant of grace between God and believers through Christ.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p5">I. Moses told the people the words of the
Lord, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.3" parsed="|Exod|24|3|0|0" passage="Ex 24:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>. He did
not lead them blindfold into the covenant, nor teach them a
devotion that was the daughter of ignorance; but laid before them
all the precepts, general and particular, in the foregoing
chapters; and fairly put it to them whether they were willing to
submit to these laws or no.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p6">II. The people unanimously consented to the
terms proposed, without reservation or exception: <i>All the words
which the Lord hath said will we do.</i> They had before consented
in general to be under God's government (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.19.8" parsed="|Exod|19|8|0|0" passage="Ex 19:8"><i>ch.</i> xix. 8</scripRef>); here they consent in
particular to these laws now given. <i>O that there had been such a
heart in them!</i> How well were it if people would but be always
in the same good mind that sometimes they seem to be in! Many
consent to the law, and yet do not live up to it; they have nothing
to except against it, and yet will not persuade themselves to be
ruled by it.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p7">This is the tenour of the covenant, That,
if they would observe the foregoing precepts, God would perform the
foregoing promises. "Obey, and be happy." Here is the bargain made.
Observe,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p8">1. How it was engrossed in the book of the
covenant: <i>Moses wrote the words of the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.4" parsed="|Exod|24|4|0|0" passage="Ex 24:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>), that there might be no
mistake; probably he had written them as God dictated them on the
mount. As soon as ever God had separated to himself a peculiar
people in the world, he governed them by a written word, as he has
done ever since, and will do while the world stands and the church
in it. Moses, having engrossed the articles of agreement concluded
upon between God and Israel, <i>read them in the audience of the
people</i> (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.7" parsed="|Exod|24|7|0|0" passage="Ex 24:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>),
that they might be perfectly apprised of the thing, and might try
whether their second thoughts were the same with their first, upon
the whole matter. And we may suppose they were so; for their words
(<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.7" parsed="|Exod|24|7|0|0" passage="Ex 24:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>) are the same
with what they were (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.3" parsed="|Exod|24|3|0|0" passage="Ex 24:3"><i>v.</i>
3</scripRef>), but something stronger: <i>All that the Lord hath
said</i> (be it good, or be it evil, to flesh and blood, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p8.5" osisRef="Bible:Jer.42.6" parsed="|Jer|42|6|0|0" passage="Jer 42:6">Jer. xlii. 6</scripRef>) <i>we will do;</i> so
they had said before, but now they add, "<i>And will be
obedient;</i> not only we will do what has been commanded, but in
every thing which shall further be ordained <i>we will be
obedient.</i>" Bravely resolved! if they had but stuck to their
resolution. See here that God's covenants and commands are so
incontestably equitable in themselves, and so highly advantageous
to us, that the more we think of them, and the more plainly and
fully they are set before us, the more reason we shall see to
comply with them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p9">2. How it was sealed by the blood of the
covenant, that Israel might receive strong consolations from the
ratifying of God's promises to them, and might lie under strong
obligations from the ratifying of their promises to God. Thus has
Infinite Wisdom devised means that we may be confirmed both in our
faith and in our obedience, may be both encouraged in our duty and
engaged to it. The covenant must be made by sacrifice (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.50.5" parsed="|Ps|50|5|0|0" passage="Ps 50:5">Ps. l. 5</scripRef>), because, since man has
sinned, and forfeited his Creator's favour, there can be no
fellowship by covenant till there be first friendship and atonement
by sacrifice.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p10">(1.) In preparation therefore for the
parties interchangeably putting their seals to this covenant, [1.]
Moses builds an altar, to the honour of God, which was principally
intended in all the altars that were built, and which was the first
thing to be looked at in the covenant they were now to seal. No
addition to the perfections of the divine nature can be made by any
of God's dealings with the children of men, but in them his
perfections are manifested and magnified, and his honour is shown
forth; therefore he will not be represented by an altar, to signify
that all he expected from them was that they should do him honour,
and that, being his people, they should be to him for a name and a
praise. [2.] He erects twelve pillars, according to the number of
the tribes. These were to represent the people, the other party to
the covenant; and we may suppose that they were set up against the
altar, and that Moses, as mediator, passed to and fro between them.
Probably each tribe set up and knew its own pillar, and their
elders stood by it. [3.] He appointed sacrifices to be offered upon
the altar (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.5" parsed="|Exod|24|5|0|0" passage="Ex 24:5"><i>v.</i> 5</scripRef>),
burnt-offerings and peace-offerings, which yet were designed to be
expiatory. We are not concerned to enquire who these young men were
that were employed in offering these sacrifices; for Moses was
himself the priest, and what they did was purely as his servants,
by his order and appointment. No doubt they were men who by their
bodily strength were qualified for the service, and by their
station among the people were fittest for the honour.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p11">(2.) Preparation being thus made, the
ratifications were very solemnly exchanged. [1.] The blood of the
sacrifice which the people offered was (part of it) sprinkled upon
the altar (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.6" parsed="|Exod|24|6|0|0" passage="Ex 24:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>),
which signifies the people's dedicating themselves, their lives,
and beings, to God, and to his honour. In the blood (which is the
life) of the dead sacrifices all the Israelites were presented unto
God as living sacrifices, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Rom.12.1" parsed="|Rom|12|1|0|0" passage="Ro 12:1">Rom. xii.
1</scripRef>. [2.] The blood of the sacrifice which God had owned
and accepted was (the remainder of it) sprinkled either upon the
people themselves (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p11.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.8" parsed="|Exod|24|8|0|0" passage="Ex 24:8"><i>v.</i>
8</scripRef>) or upon the pillars that represented them, which
signified God's graciously conferring his favour upon them and all
the fruits of that favour, and his giving them all the gifts they
could expect or desire from a God reconciled to them and in
covenant with them by sacrifice. This part of the ceremony was thus
explained: "<i>Behold the blood of the covenant;</i> see here how
God has sealed to you to be a people; his promises to you, and
yours to him, are both <i>yea and amen.</i>" Thus our Lord Jesus,
the Mediator of the new covenant (of whom Moses was a type), having
offered up himself a sacrifice upon the cross, that his blood might
be indeed the blood of the covenant, sprinkled it upon the altar in
his intercession (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p11.4" osisRef="Bible:Heb.9.12" parsed="|Heb|9|12|0|0" passage="Heb 9:12">Heb. ix.
12</scripRef>), and sprinkles it upon his church by his word and
ordinances and the influences and operations of the Spirit of
promise, by whom we are sealed. He himself seemed to allude to this
solemnity when, in the institution of the Lord's supper, he said,
<i>This cup is the New Testament</i> (or covenant) <i>in my
blood.</i> Compare with this, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p11.5" osisRef="Bible:Heb.9.19-Heb.9.20" parsed="|Heb|9|19|9|20" passage="Heb 9:19,20">Heb.
ix. 19, 20</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xxv-p11.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.9-Exod.24.11" parsed="|Exod|24|9|24|11" passage="Ex 24:9-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.24.9-Exod.24.11">
<h4 id="Ex.xxv-p11.7">A Manifestation of God. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p11.8">b. c.</span> 1491.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xxv-p12">9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and
Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel:   10 And they saw
the God of Israel: and <i>there was</i> under his feet as it were a
paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven
in <i>his</i> clearness.   11 And upon the nobles of the
children of Israel he laid not his hand: also they saw God, and did
eat and drink.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p13">The people having, besides their submission
to the ceremony of the sprinkling of blood, declared their
well-pleasedness in their God and his law, again and again, God
here gives to their representatives some special tokens of his
favour to them (for God meets him that rejoices and works
righteousness), and admits them nearer to him than they could have
expected. Thus, in the New-Testament church, we find the <i>four
living creatures,</i> and the <i>four and twenty elders,</i>
honoured with places round the throne, being <i>redeemed unto
God</i> by the <i>blood of the Lamb</i> which is <i>in the midst of
the throne,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Rev.4.4 Bible:Rev.4.6 Bible:Rev.5.8-Rev.5.9" parsed="|Rev|4|4|0|0;|Rev|4|6|0|0;|Rev|5|8|5|9" passage="Re 4:4,6,5:8,9">Rev. iv. 4, 6;
v. 8, 9</scripRef>. Observe, 1. They saw the God of Israel
(<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.10" parsed="|Exod|24|10|0|0" passage="Ex 24:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>), that is,
they had some glimpse of his glory, in light and fire, though they
saw <i>no manner of similitude,</i> and his being <i>no man hath
seen nor can see,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p13.3" osisRef="Bible:1Tim.6.16" parsed="|1Tim|6|16|0|0" passage="1Ti 6:16">1 Tim. vi.
16</scripRef>. They saw the place where the God of Israel stood (so
the LXX.), something that came near a similitude, but was not;
whatever they saw, it was certainly something of which no image nor
picture could be made, and yet enough to satisfy them that God was
with them of a truth. Nothing is described but that which was under
his feet; for our conceptions of God are all below him, and fall
infinitely short of being adequate. They saw not so much as God's
feet; but at the bottom of the brightness, and as the footstool or
pedestal of it, they saw a most rich and splendid pavement, such as
they never saw before nor after, as it had been of sapphires, azure
or sky-coloured. The heavens themselves are the pavement of God's
palace, and his throne is above the firmament. See how much better
wisdom is than the precious onyx or the sapphires, for wisdom was
from eternity God's delight (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p13.4" osisRef="Bible:Prov.8.30" parsed="|Prov|8|30|0|0" passage="Pr 8:30">Prov.
viii. 30</scripRef>), and lay in his bosom, but the sapphires are
the pavement under his feet; there let us put all the wealth of
this world, and not in our hearts. 2. <i>Upon the nobles</i> (or
elders) <i>of Israel, he laid not his hand,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p13.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.11" parsed="|Exod|24|11|0|0" passage="Ex 24:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. Though they were men, the
dazzling splendour of his glory did not overwhelm them; but it was
so moderated (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p13.6" osisRef="Bible:Job.26.9" parsed="|Job|26|9|0|0" passage="Job 26:9">Job xxvi. 9</scripRef>),
and they were so strengthened (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p13.7" osisRef="Bible:Dan.10.19" parsed="|Dan|10|19|0|0" passage="Da 10:19">Dan. x.
19</scripRef>), 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 punishing avenging hand upon them, as they feared he would.
When we consider what a consuming fire God is, and what stubble we
are before him, we shall have reason to say, in all our approaches
to him, <i>It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not
consumed.</i> 3. <i>They saw God, and did eat and drink.</i> They
had not only their lives preserved, but their vigour, courage, and
comfort; it cast no damp upon their joy, but rather increased and
elevated it. They <i>feasted upon the sacrifice,</i> before God, in
token of their cheerful consent to the covenant now made, their
grateful acceptance of the benefits of it, and their communion with
God, in pursuance of that covenant. Thus believers <i>eat and drink
with Christ at his table,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p13.8" osisRef="Bible:Luke.22.30" parsed="|Luke|22|30|0|0" passage="Lu 22:30">Luke
xxii. 30</scripRef>. Blessed are those that shall eat bread in the
kingdom of our Father, and drink of the wine new there.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Ex.xxv-p13.9" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24" parsed="|Exod|24|0|0|0" passage="Ex 24" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Ex.xxv-p13.10" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.12-Exod.24.18" parsed="|Exod|24|12|24|18" passage="Ex 24:12-18" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Exod.24.12-Exod.24.18">
<p class="passage" id="Ex.xxv-p14">12 And the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p14.1">Lord</span>
said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I
will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I
have written; that thou mayest teach them.   13 And Moses rose
up, and his minister Joshua: and Moses went up into the mount of
God.   14 And he said unto the elders, Tarry ye here for us,
until we come again unto you: and, behold, Aaron and Hur <i>are</i>
with you: if any man have any matters to do, let him come unto
them.   15 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud
covered the mount.   16 And the glory of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p14.2">Lord</span> abode upon Mount Sinai, and the cloud
covered it six days: and the seventh day he called unto Moses out
of the midst of the cloud.   17 And the sight of the glory of
the <span class="smallcaps" id="Ex.xxv-p14.3">Lord</span> <i>was</i> like devouring
fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.
  18 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him
up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty
nights.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p15">The public ceremony of sealing the covenant
being over, Moses is called up to receive further instructions,
which we have in the following chapters.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p16">I. He is called up into the mount, and
there he remains six days at some distance. Orders are given him
(<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.12" parsed="|Exod|24|12|0|0" passage="Ex 24:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>): <i>Come up
to the mount, and be there,</i> that is, "Expect to continue there
for some considerable time." Those that would have communion with
God must not only come to ordinances, but they must abide by them.
Blessed are those that dwell in his house, not that merely call
there. "Come up, and <i>I will give thee a law, that thou mayest
teach them.</i>" Moses taught them nothing but what he had received
from the Lord, and he received nothing from the Lord but what he
taught them; for he was faithful both to God and Israel, and did
neither add nor diminish, but kept close to his instructions.
Having received these orders, 1. He appointed Aaron and Hur to be
as lords-justices in his absence, to keep the peace and good order
in the congregation, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.14" parsed="|Exod|24|14|0|0" passage="Ex 24:14"><i>v.</i>
14</scripRef>. The care of his government he would leave behind him
when he went up into the mount, that he might not have that to
distract his mind; and yet he would not leave the people as sheep
having no shepherd, no, not for a few days. Good princes find their
government a constant care, and their people find it a constant
blessing. 2. He took Joshua up with him into the mount, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p16.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.13" parsed="|Exod|24|13|0|0" passage="Ex 24:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. Joshua was his
minister, and it would be a satisfaction to him to have him with
him as a companion, during the six days that he tarried in the
mount, before God called to him. Joshua was to be his successor,
and therefore thus he was honoured before the people, above the
rest of the elders, that they might afterwards the more readily
take him for their governor; and thus he was prepared for service,
by being trained up in communion with God. Joshua was a type of
Christ, and (as the learned bishop Pearson well observes) Moses
takes him with him into the mount, because without Jesus, in whom
are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, there is no
looking into the secrets of heaven, nor approaching the glorious
presence of God. 3. 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 presence, power, and grace, but
intimates to us that we cannot find him out to perfection. During
these six days Moses staid waiting upon the mountain for a call
into the presence-chamber, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p16.4" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.15-Exod.24.16" parsed="|Exod|24|15|24|16" passage="Ex 24:15,16"><i>v.</i> 15, 16</scripRef>. God thus tried the
patience of Moses, and his obedience to that command (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p16.5" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.12" parsed="|Exod|24|12|0|0" passage="Ex 24:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>), <i>Be there.</i> If
Moses had been tired before the seventh day (as Saul, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p16.6" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.13.8-1Sam.13.9" parsed="|1Sam|13|8|13|9" passage="1Sa 13:8,9">1 Sam. xiii. 8, 9</scripRef>), and had said,
<i>What should I wait for the Lord any longer?</i> he would have
lost the honour of entering into the cloud; but communion with God
is worth waiting for. And it is fit we should address ourselves to
solemn ordinances with a solemn pause, taking time to compose
ourselves, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p16.7" osisRef="Bible:Ps.108.1" parsed="|Ps|108|1|0|0" passage="Ps 108:1">Ps. cviii.
1</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Ex.xxv-p17">II. He is called up into a cloud on the
seventh day, probably on the sabbath day, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.16" parsed="|Exod|24|16|0|0" passage="Ex 24:16"><i>v.</i> 16</scripRef>. Now, 1. The thick cloud opened
in the sight of all Israel, and the glory of the Lord broke forth
<i>like devouring fire,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p17.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.17" parsed="|Exod|24|17|0|0" passage="Ex 24:17"><i>v.</i>
17</scripRef>. God, even our God, is a consuming fire, and so he
was pleased to manifest himself in the giving of the law, that,
knowing the terrors of the Lord, we may be persuaded to obey, and
may by them be prepared for the comforts of the gospel, and that
the <i>grace and truth</i> which come by Jesus Christ may be the
more acceptable. 2. The entrance of Moses into the cloud was very
wonderful: <i>Moses went into the midst of the cloud,</i> <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p17.3" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.18" parsed="|Exod|24|18|0|0" passage="Ex 24:18"><i>v.</i> 18</scripRef>. It was an extraordinary
presence of mind which the grace of God furnished him with by his
six days' preparation, else he durst not have ventured into the
cloud, especially when it broke out in devouring fire. Moses was
sure that he who called him would protect him; and even those
glorious attributes of God which are most terrible to the wicked
the saints with a humble reverence rejoice in. He that walks
righteously, and speaks uprightly, is able to <i>dwell even with
this devouring fire,</i> as we are told, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p17.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.33.14-Isa.33.15" parsed="|Isa|33|14|33|15" passage="Isa 33:14,15">Isa. xxxiii. 14, 15</scripRef>. There are persons
and works that will abide the fire, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p17.5" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.3.12" parsed="|1Cor|3|12|0|0" passage="1Co 3:12">1
Cor. iii. 12</scripRef>, &amp;c., and some that will have
confidence before God. 3. His continuance in the cloud was no less
wonderful; he was there <i>forty days and forty nights.</i> It
should seem, the six days (<scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p17.6" osisRef="Bible:Exod.24.16" parsed="|Exod|24|16|0|0" passage="Ex 24:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>) were not part of the forty; for, during those six
days, Moses was with Joshua, who did eat of the manna, and drink of
the brook, mentioned, <scripRef id="Ex.xxv-p17.7" osisRef="Bible:Deut.9.21" parsed="|Deut|9|21|0|0" passage="De 9:21">Deut. ix.
21</scripRef>, and while they were together it is probable that
Moses did eat and drink with him; but when Moses was called <i>into
the midst of the cloud</i> he left Joshua without, who continued to
eat and drink daily while he waited for Moses's return, but
thenceforward Moses fasted. Doubtless God could have said what he
had now to say to Moses in one day, but, for the greater solemnity
of the thing, he kept him with him in the mount <i>forty days and
forty nights.</i> We are hereby taught to spend much time in
communion with God, and to think that time best spent which is so
spent. Those that would get the knowledge of God's will must
meditate <i>thereon day and night.</i></p>
</div></div2>