“And the LORD 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.”
Context:The book of Exodus chronicles the journey of the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and their establishment as a nation under the leadership of Moses. In Exodus 24, the Israelites have just ratified the covenant with God, and Moses is called by God to come up to Mount Sinai to receive the tablets of stone, the Law, and commandments.
God’s Invitation:In this verse, God invites Moses to come up to Him on the mountain. This invitation is significant because it shows the unique relationship between Moses and God. Moses had already experienced a close and intimate relationship with God through various encounters and had become the mediator between God and the people of Israel.
Intimacy with God:The phrase “Come up to me into the mount, and be there” reveals the invitation for Moses to draw near to God’s presence. God desired to have a personal encounter with Moses on the mountain, away from the rest of the people. This highlights the importance of spending time in God’s presence, seeking Him with a sincere heart and desiring to know Him more intimately.
Receiving the Tablets of Stone:God promised to give Moses “tables of stone” or tablets of stone. These tablets would contain the Law and commandments that God had written. The tablets of stone were a physical representation of the covenant between God and the people of Israel, containing the guidelines for living in obedience to God’s commands.
The Purpose of Receiving the Law:God’s intention in giving Moses the Law and commandments was not only for Moses’ personal benefit but also to teach them to the people of Israel. Moses was chosen to be the conduit through which God’s instructions would be communicated to the entire nation. It was his responsibility to teach the people what God had revealed to him on the mountain.
Teaching and Instruction:The verse highlights the importance of teaching and passing on the knowledge of God’s commandments. The purpose of receiving the Law was not just for personal obedience but also for instructing others. Moses was to become the teacher and leader of the people, guiding them in understanding and following God’s commandments.
Application:Exodus 24:12 serves as a reminder to believers today to seek intimacy with God, spending time in His presence through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. We are called to be teachers and examples, sharing the truths of God’s commandments and His Word with others. Just as Moses received the Law to teach the Israelites, we have a responsibility to pass on the teachings of God to the world around us.
In summary, Exodus 24:12 portrays God’s invitation to Moses to come up to the mountain to receive the tablets of stone containing the Law and commandments. It emphasizes the importance of intimacy with God, the responsibility to teach others, and the significance of God’s instructions for the life of His people.
