“And he said unto Moses, Come up unto the Lord, thou, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship ye afar off.”
Context:The book of Exodus narrates the story of the Israelites’ deliverance from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. Exodus 24 is a significant chapter where Moses and the elders of Israel have a special encounter with God at Mount Sinai.
Invitation to Approach God:In Exodus 24:1, God instructs Moses, along with his brother Aaron, and Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu, to come up to the Lord. Additionally, seventy elders of Israel are also summoned to join them. This invitation highlights God’s desire for a closer relationship with His chosen people.
Symbolic Representation:The presence of Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders symbolises different roles within the community of Israel. Moses serves as the leader and mediator between God and the people. Aaron and his sons represent the priestly line, while the seventy elders represent the representatives of the tribes of Israel.
Worshiping from Afar:The verse mentions that they were to worship “afar off.” This implies that although they were invited to approach God, there was still a certain distance between them and the divine presence. It indicates the reverence and awe they held for God, recognising His holiness and their own unworthiness.
Importance of Worship:The act of worship is central to this verse. Worshiping God is not only a demonstration of reverence and gratitude but also an acknowledgment of His lordship and sovereignty. The invitation to worship reveals the importance of setting aside dedicated time to honour and commune with God.
Application:As believers today, we can draw several lessons from this verse. We should approach God with reverence, recognising His holiness and our need for His presence in our lives. Worship should be an integral part of our relationship with God, expressed both individually and corporately. We can also learn from Moses’ role as a mediator, understanding that Jesus Christ now serves as our ultimate mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
Overall, Exodus 24:1 reminds us of the significance of worship and the invitation God extends to us to draw near to Him. It encourages us to cultivate a heart of reverence and gratitude, seeking communion with God in our daily lives.
