"And the LORD said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the LORD, lest he break forth upon them."
Context:The book of Exodus recounts the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. In Exodus 19, the Israelites have arrived at Mount Sinai, and God is about to establish a covenant with them.
God’s Instruction:In this verse, God instructs Moses to go down from the mountain and then return with Aaron. Moses had previously ascended Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments and instructions from God. However, God warns Moses not to allow the priests or the people to break through and come up the mountain because it could result in severe consequences.
Symbolism of the Mountain:Mount Sinai holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. It represents the presence of God and His holiness. The mountain serves as a boundary that separates the people from the divine presence. Climbing the mountain without permission would be a violation of God’s order and could lead to disastrous consequences.
God’s Holiness:The reason for God’s command is His holiness. God is infinitely pure and holy, and His presence is too powerful for sinful humanity to approach without His appointed means. The people needed to understand the seriousness of entering into God’s presence and the need for consecration and obedience.
Consequences of Disobedience:The warning of God breaking forth upon the people emphasizes the seriousness of their disobedience. God’s holiness is so intense that it could lead to judgment and destruction if approached improperly. This passage demonstrates God’s desire to protect the people from harm and underscores the importance of following His instructions.
Lessons for Believers:Exodus 19:24 teaches several lessons for believers today. It reminds us of the holiness of God and the need for reverence and obedience in our approach to Him. It emphasizes the importance of following God’s instructions and not presuming upon His presence. It also highlights the need for a mediator, represented by Aaron, to approach God on behalf of the people.
Fulfillment in Christ:In the New Testament, Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, He grants us access to God’s presence and reconciles us to the Father. The warnings and restrictions in Exodus regarding approaching God’s presence find their ultimate resolution in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
As you study this verse, reflect on the holiness of God and the importance of obedience in your relationship with Him. Recognize the privilege and responsibility of approaching God’s presence through Jesus Christ, our Mediator.
